Watch and Pray…

Just after we got married we were supposed to travel to Vellore for a reception (Maru Veedu). My father had booked our tickets by Brindavan Express which was scheduled to leave Chennai central by 7 AM. All of us were ready much ahead of time but before we could leave, our wedding photographer arrived with the album! We thought we had time and started glancing through it and by the time we reached the station, we were able to see only the back of the Brindavan Express receding at a distance. Distraction spoiled the day!

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, we have to ready ourselves and await the second coming of the Lord! While His first coming provided for our salvation, His second coming heralds our life with Him for eternity. Jesus taught us the importance of watching and waiting through the parable of the ten virgins. What are the things that distract us is the question we have to answer today!

The Bible says in 1 John 2:16,"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." Our life on this earth is a constant battle of our ‘spirit' and the ‘flesh'. It is the ‘flesh' that overpowers us many times. Even when we know what we are doing is wrong we still go ahead and do it for the pleasures of sin have a hold on us. We may be involved in many religious activities but our hearts are not in obedience to the Word. If our flesh is so very weak, how then can we avoid the danger of being left behind when the Lord comes in glory?

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the three disciples to watch with Him while He went a little yonder to pray. Jesus said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). By saying ‘watch', Jesus directed them to the use what was within their power to use. By adding ‘pray', Jesus made them know that it was not in their power to stand without God's help and assistance, which must be obtained only by prayer.

My friend, the battle of the flesh is often won or lost before the crisis comes. Therefore, be watchful and pray continually. Never be overconfident. Depend upon the Spirit of God for we do not know when the Lord is coming!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 4th December 2018 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 5th December 2018

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