What other scriptures highlight the necessity of spiritual alertness and readiness? The Watchman’s Charge “For this is what the Lord says to me: ‘Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.’” (Isaiah 21:6) Echoes in Israel’s History • Ezekiel 33:7 – “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel…” • Habakkuk 2:1 – “I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts; I will watch to see what He will say to me…” • Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” • Psalm 130:6 – “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning— more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Jesus on Staying Awake • Matthew 24:42–44 – “Therefore keep watch… you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” • Mark 13:33–37 – “Be on your guard and stay alert!… What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!” • Luke 12:35–40 – “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning… You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” Readiness in the Epistles • Romans 13:11–12 – “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber… let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Act like men. Be strong.” • Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” • Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times… Stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 – “Let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober… putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.” • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” • 2 Peter 3:10–14 – “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief… make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.” Revelation’s Final Warnings • Revelation 3:2–3 – “Wake up and strengthen what remains… If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief.” • Revelation 16:15 – “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains clothed…” Living Alert Today • Stay in the Word daily, letting Scripture keep your spiritual senses sharp. • Pray continually; alertness grows as communication with God remains open. • Guard your heart—attitudes, media intake, relationships all influence vigilance. • Serve actively; watchfulness is not passive but engaged in kingdom work. • Encourage one another; shared alertness strengthens the whole body of Christ. |
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