"STAND WATCH AND PRAY"

"And what I say unto you I say unto all, watch." Mark 13 : 37

   Some people sit idly as life passes them by while others intently watch what is happening around them for the purpose of learning lessons that can be applied at another time. We can learn much by watching. If you want to learn a valuable lesson, go to a shopping mall, find a comfortable seat, and watch people. Sometime take order to eat and watch them too. You will observe every imaginable attitude possible without ever talking to a soul. One attitude will show crankiness, another's will portray happiness, and another's demeanor will say, "I'm meaner than the devil and twice as ugly. LEAVE ME ALONE!" You've seen what I'm talking about. But don't misunderstand me, I am suggesting that the observer sit there, in the mall, with the intent of learning something.

   We, Christian are admonished to be observers: to  watch. In ( Verse 35 ). Jesus told us to "Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." This watching is more than just seeing events take place without any personal involvement. This watching is the pinnacle of personal involvement.

   We are to actively observe the spiritual climate of our generation in order to be ready for the Lord's return. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told his disciples to "Watch and pray" ( Matt.26:41). Here as well, Jesus was requiring more that casual notice of events of the day. He gave the command, "Watch" and the command, "Pray." He didn't say to watch others pray, or watch while others are praying, or even do all the watching and no praying. No, the Lord was very specific in his instructions. He requires active participants in His Body.

    To some of us, the idea of watching and praying is the combined act of praying with our eye open so we can watch what is happening in the room while we are praying. Now don't misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with praying with your eyes opened, especially if you are driving your automobile at the same time but in God's Word " watch" means far. More than just seeing casually noticing or catching a glimpse of what's going on aroung us. "Watch" literally means to be spiritually alert, to be guard or to say awake for military purposes.  We are commanded then to come fogether with the intent of Biblically watching as if on guard, to be spiritually alert, ready to discerning, ready, and actively participate in what God is doing. God wants participants, not just spectators, in what the Spirit of God is doing in this day and age to come. Do you believe that? Are you a spectator or participants?

   One of my task of this twenty one day fast is the door post stand,  watch and pray. The watchman job is vital. Like an old days, seeing an approaching army left resident of an ancient city precious little time to flee or to prepare for battle. Everyone's life depended on the alert watchman as he peered into the horizon for the earliest glimpse of an approaching threat. It was critical that people be alerted as soon as possible to what was coming. But this time is different it is about watch and prayed. For incoming revival conference. Watchman for yourself, your friends, and your (my) church family. It is essential for me to be attentive to what God is saying. It may be that a friend is in crisis and needs God's Word. God holds His watchmen accountable for their diligence. Your diligence will benefit you and. Those around you as you heed God's warning and follow His commands.