As I was reading the New Testament this week, a scripture stood out to me. Luke 21:36 says, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” My first impressions of this scripture were that if we follow Christ, we will be directed. I wanted to really study this verse and find out more.
First, I wanted to see exactly what “watch” means. The Topical Guide had different definitions and scriptures related to this word. It means to observe, see, and be vigilant. I think vigilant is the perfect word to describe watch in a scriptural sense. It doesn’t mean just look passively. Watch is an action word and means that we should be following and working. We know we should be following Christ’s example and the revelation that we should receive. To watch means taking that knowledge and putting it into action. If we watch, we are listening and praying to God to see what we need to do. We are ready to receive and act on revelation.
This verse is told in a chapter when Christ is telling about his Second Coming. He his giving signs for which we should look. This context also helps us understand the verse. If we are continually preparing, we will not be startled at his Second Coming. We will be prepared and ready to receive Christ. We have to do the work to prepare ourselves so we can be “accounted worthy.” This means following the prophet and making the right decisions that will bring us closer to Christ. If we are preparing, then we will be ready and will escape the punishments of that day.
This is a small verse in the scriptures, but it really stood out to me. I wanted to make sure I understood what it meant and got all I could out of it. I love delving into one specific story of verse because it helps flesh it out. I learn a lot from looking at cross-references and other media. This scripture helps me know that Christ wants us to return to him. He wants us to be ready to receive him on that great day. He will help direct and protect us if we put in the work. That is a beautiful sentiment that stuck out to me.
