“Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he comes shall find watching…” (Luke 12:37).
Fanny J. Crosby’s grand hymn is based on the above passage. Watching is an important spiritual exercise denoting a perpetual state of vigilance and readiness (Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Colossians 4:2). It also denotes a constant condition of soberness (2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:7). The following are some whom the Lord will NOT find watching.
1. The Slothful. The slothful person spends much time in bed (Proverbs 26:14). The wicked have “the spirit of slumber” (Romans 11:8). The lazy and lukewarm are reminded to watch and repent (Revelation 3:2-3,19).
2. The Sleeping. The disciples slept while Jesus suffered (Mark 14:37). Some are still sleeping, while the body of Christ suffers (Ephesians 5: 14). Paul admonishes, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
3. The Side-tracked. Distractions can destroy us. A distracted pilot can take hundreds to their death. A distracted driver can lose his own life and cause others to lose theirs. A diversion is the oldest trick in the world (Genesis 3). It is still being used by criminals and the devil. Our eyes must be taken off the world and focused squarely upon the Lord (1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 12:1-2).
When Jesus comes, will He find you watching? Are you ready?
Edward L. Anderson
via Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN