Luke 21 - 07.28.22
SCRIPTURE: Luke 21:36 AMP
“But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus concludes His discourse on events that will “precede” His second coming with an admonition to “Keep Alert” and “Be Ready”.
UNDERSTANDING:
Filled with and Living IN Expectation!
There is nothing like that feeling of expectation when you know something amazing is about to happen. I loved Pastor Levi’s reference in last Sunday’s teaching when he shared how excited he was to spend every moment he could and learn everything possible about his beautiful bride to be— Katie, after he had proposed.
Married people can definitely look back on their wedding day, a day I waited for an exceptionally long time! I had longed to be married from the time I was 17 yrs old. Somehow I ended up in a fast paced career that kept me busy until I was 40! Then, Larry showed up in my life. I always joke with him, “What took you so long?!?” 😂
As we counted down the days, spent time together, talked about future plans, sent out invitations—I can tell you we were both FILLED with glowing expectation and joy that has continued as we prepare to celebrate 26 yrs together.
I LOVE how Pastor Levi phrased it in his teaching when he said that God loves us SO much and has waited for us SO long [even BEFORE the world was formed]—that HE Longs to spend time with us.
Just like in marriage where we spend daily intimate time together—sharing all our deepest thoughts and dreams as we lay our hearts bare before each other-God desires this same intimacy with us. HE already KNOWS every thought and Every heartbeat AND we were born for this purpose.
Like the story of Mary and Martha that Pastor Levi shared—only ONE thing is essential. Sitting at Jesus feet—and Mary had discovered it.
May we focus on what’s essential and not let the worries of life ever distract us from what is truly essential—our First Love—Jesus.
“But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning.” (Revelation 2:4 TPT)
LIFE APPLICATION:
LIVE EXPECTANTLY FOR JESUS AND HIS RETURN
How would my Life look if I was genuinely Living my life Expectantly for Jesus Return?
Not concerned with the prediction mongers of the “when”. But, simply knowing that Jesus said that He IS coming back and He wants me to be “Alert” and “Ready”.
May I radiate Jesus everywhere I GO.
“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” (Romans 15:13 TPT)
Lord Jesus,
May I be ever awake, watchful, alert and looking forward to Your Return. May it occupy my thoughts in a way that affects my daily actions so that I don’t let opportunities pass me by. May I be about “my Father’s business” with super-abundant JOY in my heart—sharing Your Love and Good News wherever You Lead me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
Tina L Kudelka