Scripture

“Watch out! Don’t let your heart be dulled by carousing and drunkenness and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware.”

Observation

There will be strange signs in the heavens. On earth, the nations will be in turmoil. People will be terrified, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and glory.

We can tell the seasons by the trees and plants. We see the signs in the natural. When we see these things happen, we know the Kingdom of God is here. This generation will not pass until these things happen.

Watch out! Don’t live like the pagans do, consumed by partying and the worries of this life. We are to be prepared, ready for the coming of the Son of Man.

Application

There is some dispute about whether this passage refers to events in the future or in the past, such as the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. I think the most straightforward interpretation is that Jesus was warning his followers about the horrific events of 70 AD.

But the warnings apply to every Christian in every time period and every place.

Be ready for the coming of the Son of Man.

We are citizens of Heaven. We have a destiny in view that goes beyond this present life. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, our home is not in this world.

Therefore, we do not live as the people of the world do – consumed by entertainment, pleasure, and the endless anxieties that beset those who do not know that God is their Father.

We must live every day as if it were our last day, as if we could meet with Jesus tonight. We must always be ready to give an account of our lives.

This is not to say that we should live in misery and fear. It is not to say that we must never be happy or celebrate. We are the people, above all others, who are happy and joyful.

It is a matter of focus. Am I living for this life only, or do I set my heart on eternity?

Prayer

Lord, please help me to live everyday with the awareness of your presence. Amen.