Sadly, many in the church in America have lost focus. They are being overcome with what they seen when they look around in the natural. Today is a perfect example of what Paul was referring to when he challenged the Corinthian Church …
2 Cor 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NKJV
If ever there was a time to cease “looking” at what can be seen and be “watching ”for what cannot be seen … The eternal … it is now.
Matt 24:5-7; 10-12 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars … 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places … 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. ESV
All that we are looking at is telling us that we need to lift our eyes and “watch” for the One who is coming… the Eternal One. In fact, The Word tells us in the New Testament over twenty-six times to “watch” for His coming … eleven by Jesus Himself.
Watchfulness is required of all God’s servants and He reminds us of His warning throughout His Word. Mark points out the critical nature of the command to “watch.” The term He uses in verse 33 is agrupneite (be sleepless; keeping awake) and in 35 and 37 He uses gregoreuo (be vigilant; watchful).
Mark 13:32-37 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” NKJV
And we are given three ways to watch … if we do, we will be blessed …
WATCH WITH COURAGE
1 Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. NKJV
WATCH WITH PRAYER
Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” NKJV
Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints NKJV
WATCH WITH THANKSGIVING
Col 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant (watch) in it with thanksgiving NKJV
BE BLESSED
Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. NKJV
Today it is more critical than ever before that as Jesus’ bride we are eagerly “watching” for our bride groom’s instant of coming for His bride … at an hour you do not expect.