34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
In our verses for today, Jesus tells His disciples the kingdom of God will come both unexpectedly and universally hence the call for careful continual watchfulness. We are to lay aside every heavy weight – every distraction that keeps us from running the race with perseverance, following after Jesus. I am reminded of the verses in Hebrews chapter twelve relaying to us this same ad vice:
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)
Just as a marathon runner would not think of beginning a race encumbered with heavy clothes and weights but rather strips to the essentials to run his race successfully, in like fashion, as followers of Jesus, we are to “throw off everything that hinders” our walk with Him. This means we are to always be carefully examining our lives “cutting off”, so to speak, the unproductive – the dross. Believers are to be growing in Christlikeness whatever hinders that in a life must go. Yet, isn’t it easy to get caught up by the world? There are so many distractions – so many enticing apples held out for us to grab. The world is so loud and “His still small voice” can often be silenced to such a faint whisper in the midst of all of our frenzied activities. The only way we are able to rise above this tyranny is through the power of the Holy Spirit fixing our eyes upon our Lord Jesus. Jesus both pioneered and perfected our path of faith – it would do us well to keep our focus on Him.
“Sometimes the enemy seems to get an advantage over us; but the battle is not over yet. At last thou shalt have the victory, and carry the day for all that. In hard struggles remember the power of Christ, who, in his resurrection, broke through everything. With him thou canst also break through, and be more than conqueror. Yea, in every conflict, if thy faith be firm, thou canst be sure of victory beforehand; for faith engages Christ’s power, and his power ensureth victory; it is as impossible for thine enemies to keep thee always in bonds, as it was impossible that Christ could be kept in the grave by the stone, seal, and keepers. Nay, the greater their force is, the more glorious will be the victory of Christ over them.” K. H. Von Bogatzky
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 (NIV)
“Everything” includes everything – abundance as well as poverty; health as well as sickness; loneliness as well as companionship; repetitive and boring as well as interesting and exciting – everything. Power is given us not only to endure, but to embrace with joy what is allowed. The peace and joy that accompanies surpasses human understanding.
“I wonder how many of us will look back over a lifetime of wasted opportunities and ineffective witness, and weep because we did not allow God to use us as He wanted. ‘Night is coming, when no man can work’ (John 9:4 NASB). If ever we are to study the Scriptures, if ever we are to spend time in prayer, if ever we are to win souls for Christ, if ever we are to invest our finances for His kingdom – it must be now.” Billy Graham
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13-14 (NIV)
As believers, we need a healthy Biblical perspective of our earthly sojourn. Our purpose and significance lies in fulfilling His perfect will for our lives – anything short of this, we come up wanting. It is our “sweet spot” if you will. The all too familiar Jeremiah quote comes to mind:
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Helen H. Lemmel