Luke 21:34–36
34 [Jesus said,] ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will comeupon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times,praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the coming kingdom of God. It’s obvious that the trees and leaves tell us when spring is changing to summer, right? For the disciples, change was definitely coming. Living through the events to follow – the meal, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventually his resurrection – would certainly change their lives forever. The words above are Jesus’ instructions of preparation for what’s to come.
Each year we live through those events also. Like the disciples, we need to be alert, ready for what is coming. As we journey through Lent, preparing ourselves for the events we remember on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil, and Easter morning, let’s be on guard.
Let’s pray for strength to get through our trials. Pray that we might hear the comfort of Jesus’ words. Pray that, when we hear cries for help, we offer our assistance. Pray that the changes in our lives might not weigh us down. Pray for peace, in our own hearts and lives, and for those in our church, homes, neighborhoods, work places, and for the world. Be alert, pray, and be at peace.
Doug Williams
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
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