34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with [a]carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may [b]be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.
Luke 21:34-38
The importance of watching. Jesus closes out this chapter, further reinforcing the need to pay attention. Not only must we ensure we are not distracted by the things of this world, but also we must pray that we are worthy to escape it. We must heed ourselves and our relationship with God. Any time I see tragedy or sin in this world, I see an opportunity to pray and take stock of my walk with Christ.
I need to confirm where I stand with Him because at a moment’s notice I could find myself standing before Him. I can only imagine the prayers He said each night atop Mount Olivet as He recovered from a day of teaching while preparing for the next, knowing full well what was coming. Was He taking stock of where He stood with the Father? Sinless, blameless, with a cup only He could drink from? He was worthy and endured so much for our sake.
Praise Jesus!
