July 28 Way to Be

Luke 21:34-36 “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. 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.”
 
FOR 31 verses, Luke records Jesus’ prophetic warnings and assurances. These three sentences are an excellent summary. Further, as Jesus says, “Be careful…be always on the watch…be able to escape…be able to stand” you could also summarize these “be” phrases with, “Always be faithful.”  
    Yes, focus on the word “be”. Much of the Bible teaches us how we are to be – to exist, to live – in the image of God. “You will be my people.” (Leviticus 26:12) the Father promises. “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9) Jesus proclaims. “Show yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8) Jesus calls. This is God’s way for you to become a new person in Christ. John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.”  Wow! What a way to be!
    Born anew in Jesus, you will become knowledgeable of the differences between a careless life and a careful one. Saved in Christ, you will be always on the watch against temptation to protect your heart and your family. Counted as one of God’s people, you will be able to stand before his throne one day. Jesus teaches trouble is real. Jesus teaches he is eternal. Jesus teaches, so you become as he is.
    Always be faithful to remember the eternal overpowers the temporary. The heavenly overcomes the worldly. Always be faithful to know this is the eternal God’s world: Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
    How easy it is, though, to be overwhelmed with daily issues. Too quickly we focus on our own abilities or lack of them to resolve issues. We allow limiting circumstances to burden our thoughts. We worry about things that never happen, and we imagine harm that never comes. Nervously, we wonder, “What about tomorrow?”
    But be not anxious. Be always faithful. Time and again, Jesus reminds us tomorrow is in his hands. New in Christ, you can in the Spirit’s power always be careful and always be on the watch. Then you will always be able to stand before your omnipotent God. Be in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I end with these words from Job, a man who certainly could have experienced great anxiety: Job 22:21-23a “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. 22 Accept instruction from his mouth
and lay up his words in your heart.  23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your great teachings. I pray I am always faithful to you. Amen.