“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke. 21:36.
One of the strongest admonitions to the believer is the command to watch and to pray. But what does it mean to watch? The Greek words translated “watch” basically mean to watch, keep awake, be circumspect, be attentive, be ready and be cautious. Watching or being circumspect to repent and obey. Jesus told the church in Sardis: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you” Rev. 3:2-3.
It is a clear teaching throughout the Bible that we should be vigilant and circumspect to repent of sin and obey God. This is a key to growing toward perfection. In Exo. 23:13 God said, “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect…..” Being circumspect means being watchful or careful. When God speaks, He expects us to respond by carefully and watchfully obeying and praying for His help. This includes remembering God’s law, interpreting it correctly and being thorough and accurate in obeying it.
God expects diligent obedience to His instructions. We should hang onto and painstakingly act on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. God expects a diligent and careful approach to repenting of sin—to change from trampling on His laws. “For observe this very thing, that you sorrow in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you” 2 Cor. 7:11. Being watchful is a fruit of true repentance. Disobedience will bring a penalty. The wages of sin is death. Because God judges impartially, we should fear failing to carry out His instructions and the penalty that will follow. This healthy fear of God should produce a watchful approach to obeying Him. Selah!
FURTHER READING:
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 25:13.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Eph. 6:18.
DECLARATION:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for another day, Lord, set a guard over my lips today and search my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any evil way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. If there is anything in my life that displeases You, Father, remove it in Jesus’s name. Circumcise my heart, and cause my desires and my words to line up with Yours. In Jesus’s name, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ezek. 9:1-11. Ezek. 10:1-22. Ezek. 11:1-29. Ezek. 12:1-28.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“When You Let Go What Is In Your Hand, God Let Go What Is In His Hands.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria. http://www.thefortresschurch.com. email:info@thefortresschurch.com.
