Watch! Watch out. Keep watch. Be ready. These are the imperatives sprinkled throughout the Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24-25. These two chapters are Jesus’ answer to the disciples question in chapter 24, verse 3, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
If you’ve been thinking about the same questions then read these two chapters carefully. Why? Because the first thing Jesus says in answer to these questions is, “Watch out that no one deceives you.”
Many experiences in life push us to the breaking point. We might feel things couldn’t get any worse. Be careful, at those times it’s easy to seek quick solutions and be deceived. In fact, some will develop persuasive scenarios that will convince many that they are the anticipated Messiah. Others will predict the exact day when all of this will happen, while Jesus clearly declared, “You do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Things that are true and trustworthy are these: The Lord will come! He will reward faithfulness, and will judge those who are not ready! There are indicators that tell you the return of the Lord is near. Therefore, watch, watch out, keep watch, and be ready.
Familiarize yourself with the details of the warnings and promises given in these two chapters. Then face each day with a deep desire to be the person God wants you to be and to be doing the tasks He appointed for you to fulfill. Faith and faithfulness are the essential elements of preparedness.
