Making the word of God a priority in our lives gives us a weapon for the future. Applying the word gives us victory.
And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" - Mk 13:37
Jesus warned His disciples of what was to come before His return. The disciples only understood what was in front of them. They had not yet seen the resurrected Christ and might have put some of His warnings toward their hope that Rome would fall and the Jews would be free from their control. They would have tried to make His words fit the narrative of which they were living.
Today we should seek the Lord to understand the relevancy of His word for our lives in this century. Looking at the Bible as a history book will not help us embrace everything God intends for us to know about Him and His word. The Bible is the inspired word of God. Jesus is the word made flesh.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Tim 3:16-17
Jesus said that man does not live on bread (food) alone but on every word that proceeds from the Father's (God's) heart. Life is in the Lord and His word. If we delight ourselves in His word, He will give us the desires of our heart (Ps 37:4). God will provide us with our desires because when we live according to His word, we are seeking His will. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the things we need will be given to us.
These are spiritual principles and laws from God. He created people to be one in Him and modeled that through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed all would be one in Him as He is in God. Jesus' prayer is answered when we seek Him, loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength.
So, what did Jesus mean when He said to all, "Watch!" The day is coming when Jesus will return with an army and remove His bride from this treacherous earth. The New Heaven will be restored here on earth, and people will reign with Jesus there. The pain and anguish of life's trials will end, and there will be no more tears. Joy will rule in our hearts, and we will forever rejoice with the angels, praising God. Until then, we are to watch.
Watch – keep under careful protection. We are to steward the things of God until the return of Jesus Christ. We occupy until He returns. This means we are to be found working. We pray, worship, preach, exhort, and encourage at every opportunity. While doing these things, we must remain sober and vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. – 1 Pe 5:8
The enemy is occupied with those believers who stand watch. He does not concern himself too much with those who do nothing with their salvation. We must Resist him, steadfast in the faith (vs. 9). Standing firm in your faith requires a knowledge of the One your faith is in.
The word of God transforms your thinking and girds up the loins of your mind.
The word of God is like a sword, a hammer that breaks the rock, a fire that burns out impurities, and a discerner of the intentions of the heart.
The word is truth, pure, and sustenance.
The word is a source of power for those who are fueled by it and a weapon for those who know how and when to use it.
The word is a source of comfort and conviction.
Without the word of God, we have nothing to instruct us in God's will.
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Word to the earth as Jesus to bring us eternal life. There is so much about Your word that I do not fully grasp, but I ask You to cause Your word to manifest in my life. Bring Your word into every area of my life that does not submit to You, know You, or worship You. Help me to be submitted to You and Your word and to grow in faith, transform my thinking and glorify You as I go. In Jesus' name, Amen