Being watchful

To be 'watchful' is to be alert and vigilant. 

And this is what Jesus was challenging his followers to do, while they were praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke records: 

⁴⁵ When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ⁴⁶ “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22)

Jesus was not only questioning why they were sleeping in that moment but imploring them to wake up and be aware what was to come. And after the disciples managed to get this right, the early Church also lived with a strong sense of watchfulness. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:6:

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

So, what does this mean for us? Could being watchful mean that we are to be present to God, present to our neighbor, and present to our own hearts? 

What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Who is watching who?

"On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely." - Luke 14:1

The great irony of Jesus sharing a meal with the Pharisee was that although he was being watched very carefully, Jesus was equally observant about their behaviour. This is why he asked them a very challenging question concerning the man who had dropsy (v.2-3). Matthew Henry comments on this verse by arguing:

"Even in the common actions of life, Christ marks what we do, not only in our religious assemblies, but at our tables." 

This challenges us to include Christ in all aspects of our lives and not just at the 'religious' moments in our communities. We may be able to fool some people during our religious moments, but we can't fool God when we live the rest of the week. 

"The one you are looking for is the one who is looking." - St. Francis of Assisi 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

No perfect conditions

There is wisdom in sometimes watching how things pan out and being cautious about the future. However, this can also be something that prevents us from taking risks and stepping out in faith. Taking a look at this passage from Ecclesiastes 11 one notices how Solomon understands this reality. The person who watches for too long, will miss the opportunity to plant seeds and ultimately reap any rewards.

"If clouds are full of water,
    they pour rain on the earth.
Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
    in the place where it falls, there it will lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;
    whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."- Ecclesiastes 11:3-4

The Amplified Bible puts it like this:

"He who watches the wind [waiting for all conditions to be perfect] will not sow [seed], and he who looks at the clouds will not reap [a harvest]."

There are no perfect conditions for anything in life - we need to be able to seek wisdom, balance and faith, trusting that God will lead us onto the right path. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Watching and waiting

 

Young children are the most enthusiastic at Christmas time and in many ways they keep the miracle of Christmas alive for lots of us. Their constant questions about presents, Santa Claus, reindeer, holidays, food and more presents, keep us unusually busy.

Of course, in responding to the myriad of questions, we should always be willing to remind them of the real reason for Christmas.

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,

I wait for God my saviour,

My God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Our watching, waiting and hoping is all part of the Advent season. Teaching children (and adults) that all good things come to those who wait is a crucial part of this time of the year. 

As you watch and wait for the miracle of Jesus, may you not be disappointed by the GIFT that he is too you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Watchman - Ezekiel 3

 

When a person is given the task of being a "watchman" (or watch-person to be gender sensitive), their job is incredibly important. If they fall asleep at their station or fail to sound the alarm, then the lives of thousands of other people lie in the balance.

In chapter 3, Ezekiel is given the huge responsibility of being the spiritual watchman for God's people. Even though God doubts whether his rebellious people will listen to the warnings, God still wants Ezekiel to pass on the message - perhaps one or two will turn from their evil ways.

"But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people." - v.27

This got me thinking about how much responsibility we need to take in "convincing" people to turn to Christ. There is definitely a part we must play - we need to sound the call; to be the spiritual watchmen. However, there is also a sense in which we need to leave the choice up to them. Some may ignore this invitation to follow Christ, but others could turn to Jesus. 

I find that the seasons of Easter and Christmas are always good moments to 'spread the message' of God's love and grace. While we have opportunities let us stand on the walls and send the call to those who need to hear of God's love and forgiveness.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

I am Thankful

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2

Regardless of how our year has gone, I think we would do well to follow Paul's advice of being thankful. I find it interesting that he includes THANKFULNESS in the same breath as 'prayer' and being 'watchful.'

We should keep a look out (be watchful) for the root of bitterness that can creep into our hearts. One of the ways to do this is to offer prayers of Thanksgiving to God. There is not better time to begin this than on this last day of the year - this will help us reflect on all that has taken place over the last 364 days.

I am Thankful for ...

...my family
...my friends
...my health
...my Church community
...God's creation
...second chances
....this day

What are you thankful for?
....?....

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Watching at the doors - Lent #9

For those of us who have pets, it is incredible how faithful they are (especially dogs). When we have been out all day they come quickly to us, excited about seeing us. Sometimes they may be waiting at the doors and windows watching for us. They can even hear us coming before they see us and their tails start to wag :)

Using the words of Solomon, God urges us to be faithful to him, waiting at the doorways for his wisdom. When we find Him we find life.

"Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
For those who find me find life    and receive favour from the Lord." - Proverbs 8:34-35

Are we watching at the doors? Are we listening for wisdom?
Take some time out today to read Proverbs 8 and listen to what God may be saying to you.

Living in Grace
D3LM3