April 12. 2025-Meditation Luke 21:29–38 Discern the Times and Stay Awake in Prayer

 

Discern the Times and Stay Awake in Prayer

Luke 21:29–38

We continue to meditate on the "signs" of the “last days.” The word "sign" here comes from the Greek word sēmeion (σημεῖον), which means a "mark, sign, or miracle." The scribes and Pharisees often came to Jesus and asked Him to "show us a sign." In those moments, Jesus pointed to “the sign of Jonah.”

So, what does “sign” mean? It means “evidence.” In other words, signs are evidences or guarantees that certain events will surely come to pass.

Thus, the signs of the end times are not just mysterious occurrences—they are evidence that the last day is surely coming and that the prophecies spoken about that day will be fulfilled.

Let’s put it this way: how much time do we have left on this earth? No one can say for sure. But one thing is certain—our lives are finite. So, what does it mean to prepare for the final day of our lives?

It’s not just about deciding where we’ll be buried or what clothes we’ll wear in our casket. Preparing for the end means living the rest of our lives meaningfully and purposefully.

If there are areas in our lives where we haven’t been living faithfully—then now is the time to strive to live by faith.

But are we really living that way? We say that life is short, but we often live as if death will never come. We cling to possessions. We give in to greed.

More importantly, are we preparing for the eternal time that follows our physical death? That is, are we getting ready for the moment when our lives here end and we enter into God’s Kingdom?

Our lives do not end with the death of our bodies. Our souls will live on. And we will enter the eternal kingdom. But will it be for judgment, or for life?

To prepare for the resurrection to life, we must now, in this present life, live according to God’s Word and in faith.

Look at verse 31 of today’s passage:

“Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31)

Here, the “Kingdom of God” can be interpreted in several ways, but in this context, it points to the Kingdom we enter after physical death. In a broader sense, it refers to the Kingdom that will be fully established at the return of Jesus Christ.

So, when we see these “signs,” we should recognize that the end of our limited time is drawing near. That’s why Christians, when they recognize these signs, must always pray and stay awake.

Look at verse 36:

“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

To "be awake" means not to sleep spiritually, not to be lazy. It means: Don’t assume the end won’t come in your time.

Live each day as if it could be your last—giving your best to live by God’s Word and in faith.

So today, in the time God has newly given you, ask yourself:

• What does it look like to live spiritually lazy?

• What does it mean to live spiritually awake?

Let us meditate deeply on this, and strive to live out today in faith and obedience, giving our very best to the Lord.