Hope and Vigilance in Christ’s Coming

The world is always experiencing conflict to some degree. In 2024 alone, there were a staggering 92 countries involved in conflicts beyond their borders, and over 200,000 lives lost in these conflicts. There hasn’t been this much conflict in the world since WWII and these conflicts could even get worse. You may be thinking to yourself “Well, that’s a little bleak” and no one would blame you. However, the point of the statistics isn’t to cause fear, as there’s no reason for followers of Jesus Christ to panic! Remember, Jesus told us things would get bad before His second coming. That’s not to say He’s necessarily returning soon, though we should all pray that He does, but that is to say, we shouldn’t be afraid during dark times. As Christians, we are encouraged to focus on the hope of Christ’s return rather than be overwhelmed by the happenings in the world. What’s that saying? Something about it always being darkest before dawn?

In Luke 21:10-19 Jesus talks about wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus speaks about the signs of His return, describing cosmic disturbances, upheaval, and distress. All of these things must come to pass before the Son of Man appears in power and glory. He urges His followers to remain alert and vigilant. These verses are a reminder that regardless of what’s going on around us, there is an unshakable hope for those who are faithful to Christ. His return will bring ultimate victory, and those who are prepared will experience the joy of His coming!

Lastly, Luke 21:34-38 gives us the warning from Jesus to remain vigilant and not become distracted. This is important because the disasters of our world can certainly be distracting! We must be cautious not to let our lives be consumed by the distractions of the world because they blind us to the spiritual reality that is unfolding around us. Jesus calls us to live with expectation, staying alert and focused on His return. Are we making space for vigilance in our spiritual lives, or are we becoming distressed and distracted by the things of this world? Jesus is coming again, and this truth should stir us to keep our eyes on Him and remain faithful as we await His return!

Questions to ask yourself:

1. How can I make my actions, words, and attitudes reflect the truth that Jesus is coming again and that I am called to live faithfully in anticipation of that day?

2. Are there areas in my life where I'm allowing worldly desires and distractions to pull me away from focusing on God’s will?

What’s next?

1. Jesus warns against being weighed down by life’s anxieties and pleasures. Take time this week to reflect on the things that may be clouding your focus, whether it's busyness, materialism, or stress.

2. Stay spiritually alert by cultivating habits of daily prayer, Bible reading, and worship! Regularly check your “spiritual temperature” to ensure that your relationship with God is healthy, not stagnating.

Pray this prayer

Lord, thank You for the hope I have in your return. Help me stay vigilant and watchful, not allowing the distractions of this world to take my focus off of you. Strengthen my faith and remind me daily that you are coming again to bring redemption and victory.