Scripture

“Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Observation

Jesus teaches about His coming. There will be a lot of distress. The nations will be in turmoil and even the heavenly bodies will be disturbed. People will faint from fright. Then the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and glory.

The fig tree shows the seasons, so when we see these things take place we will know that the kingdom of God is near.

We must be on guard, looking to Jesus rather than being weighed down by drunkenness and sin. We must be ready to escape opposition and ready to stand before the Son of Man.

Application

Jesus’ words about the end are always given in the context of being ready. We must be alert so that on the day we are called we will be ready to stand before Him.

Christians are not called to live good worldly lives. We are called to lives of obedience, often living radially differently to our neighbours.

Being alert means that I pay full attention to what Christ is doing and respond to Him at all times. That means taking no thought to my own plans and desires. Everything must be for Jesus,

Prayer

Lord, please transform me. Help me to see where my ambitions and plans hinder me from obeying your plans for me. Amen.