What Jesus Did! 'Keep Alert!' — Luke 21:34-36

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

[Jesus continued talking about his return,] "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."
— Luke 21:34-36 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus repeatedly warned his disciples during the latter part of his ministry to keep alert and be ready for his return. But what does being ready mean? Does it mean knowing the exact time of his return - the day or the hour? No, we can't know when he will return. [1] So what does it mean? It means to live with faithful vigilance, expectation, and hope for Jesus' return. He stands near and can return at any time.

[1] Matthew 24:36-39.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, the eternal God and Creator of the universe, work in me your righteous will to make me ready for your Son's glorious return. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Drunkenness, Carousing, & Worry Are Traps
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 21:34-36 NLT — Keep alert at all times.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Isaiah 53:5
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Strong in Spirit' (Lk. 1:80)
"And the child [John the Baptizer] grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Isaiah 41:10
"God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for he is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Luke 2:4-5
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!