“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” 1 Peter 4:7
Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus left the earth stating He would be back soon. He also said there would be signs to showing when the time was near. Many of those signs have been fulfilled. If 2,000 years ago Jesus would be back soon, how much sooner will it be today?
With the end of all things being near, Peter now tells you to be alert and of sober mind. Why should you need to be alert? What does it mean to be alert? Alert is being aware of what is going on around you. When a person is driving down the road he needs to be alert to other drivers, wild animals, weather conditions, and his own vehicle condition. If he does not pay attention to all these details, something disastrous could happen.
In the Christian walk, you need to be aware of what the world is doing around you. What does the world say about Jesus? About God? About believers? Along with knowing what is happening in the world, you need to be alert to what God is doing around you. Are you moving on the same path that God is? Are you reaching those God is working to reach through you?
If you are not alert, the world will bring a surprise upon you that you did not see coming. If you are not alert, you will stray from the path God has placed you on.
Along with being alert, Peter tells you to be of a sober mind. When a person sees all the garbage going on in the world (wars, murders, thefts, suicides, etc.) he may get scared. One can go into a panic attack wondering how he will survive the garbage. As a believer in Jesus, you must remember that God will win the war. You are on the winning side. Do not let fear or panic overcome you. Know in your heart God is in control and you will win with Him.
The purpose for all of this is for you to be able to pray. Knowing what is going on will allow you to pray for the world as needed. It will guide you in praying for God’s will. If you are not alert and sober, you will not be able to pray correctly.
I pray that today God will give you His peace of mind; that He will open your eyes to what is happening in the world; that God will reveal to you what He is doing; that God will guide you in praying His will in all things; and that God will use you to build His kingdom.
This is a very pertinent post. We really need to be alert in these days. Thanks for sharing.
Amen. As Jesus said watch and pray.
Reblogged this on Food for Thought.