“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” -Luke 21:34-36
“On your mark, get set, go!” This is a familiar announcement to all. I can remember playing as a child with my friends. One of the most exciting games to me that we played was challenging one another to a sprint. My buddies and I loved to run because each of us had a little bit more wind behind him than the average bear. Between the four of us, we held various city records in the 440 relay, hurdles and the 100 yard dash. The point is, we could run.
While running with speed came easily to us, it was the starting that really made the difference in the outcome of our races. If we didn’t start well, we usually didn’t finish well. One of the best ways to guarantee a great start and to finish well is to always be ready. Someone once said, “I stay ready to keep from having to get ready.”
This is a great principle for the Christian. If we are going to win our race in this earthly life, we need to always be ready – waiting and watching for the Lord Jesus Christ to return. Better for us to say, “Lord, I am on Your mark, I’m already set, so let’s go!”
Pastor Jack