Don’t Be Caught Unaware

Luke 21:34 “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

Jesus is talking about the end times and His return to the earth. As He describes the state of the earth at that time, He gives the people a warning. He tells them to beware of some things that will cause them to be caught off guard when Christ returns:

1. Surfeiting – the giddiness and headache caused by drinking wine to excess, drunkeness, debauchery, partying. We are in a battle not a party. We are in a war not a picnic. The Devil does not need to get us involved in a false religion or possessed with a demon; we are already influenced by the false gods of money and pleasure. We are partying and just enjoying the good life, while the world dies and goes to Hell. We are acting like we are on a cruise ship instead of a battle ship. If we let our hearts be overcharged (weighed down) with this partying lifestyle, we will be caught unawares and be embarrassed at Christ’s return.

2. Drunkenness - intoxication. There has been a resurgence of Christians who think that there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol, which can very easily lead to drunkenness and being controlled by wine. Under the influence of alcohol, a person’s awareness and inhibitions are lowered. Let us beware of alcohol or any substance that can make us unaware of what is going on around us. Let us not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.

3. Cares of this life – anxieties, worries, troubles, activities of this life. Many may say, “I am alert and ready for Christ’s return because I am not involved in partying and drunkenness.” The “cares of this life,” however, may be preoccupying them and keeping them from the Lord’s work. It could be just our day-to-day life, our busyness with things, our daily routines that are so full of activity that we have no time for God. We need to streamline our lives, unentangle ourselves from the world, so that we can effectively and efficiently serve God.

4. Prayerlessness - not watching in prayer. Luke 21:36 says, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy…” We can be free of partying, drunkeness, and the cares of this life, but we must also be in prayer. Prayer is how we stay in tune with God. Prayer is the work of binding Satan’s power so those under his influence can be freed. Prayer closes our eyes to this world and opens them to another.

I want to be aware and alert in these last days. I don’t want to be caught unawares when Christ returns. I know I need to guard against anything that would distract me. I know I need to be much in prayer. May God help us all to be ready!

Read more at bcwe.org.