"Watch" is one of those little English words with a big meaning. It can mean keep your
The word "watch" is found over 100 times in the Bible. Since God mentions it so frequently, it's a word we ought to pay attention to.
A bird of prey, like the one in the picture, doesn't need to be taught to watch. Instinct tells it to be aware danger and to be alert to rustlings in the grass below (food).
As Christians, you and I are not always as watchful as we should be. And need to learn what it means to be watchful.
In the Old Testament, we learn that God watches over His people to protect and provide for us and we also read of the watchmen on the wall of the city to alert the inhabitants to any coming danger.
Jesus told us to watch and be ready for His return (Mt 25:13, Mk 13:33).
The night before He was betrayed, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray with His disciples. He went on a little further and asked them to wait and pray.
Jesus returned to His friends and found them all fast asleep, and said to Peter, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" (Mt 26:40)
Jesus then gave a warning that applies to me and to you today.
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mt 26:41)
Just like the bird needs to be alert, and the watchman on the wall needs to be alert, you and I also need to be alert to danger. We are vulnerable to attack from our enemy if we are not watchful and prayerful.
Temptation itself is not a sin. But entering into that temptation, giving in to it, is sin. Our flesh is indeed weak at times. Sometimes, it can be a struggle to say, "No." You know what you struggle with. I know what I struggle with.
Watch and pray.
Watch. We need to be alert to the enemy's schemes. He knows our weak areas and he will target them. The answer, be watchful for those things which would tempt. Stay away from them. And, we can ask the Lord to be our Watchman to warn us by His Spirit of places we shouldn't go, things we shouldn't say and things we shouldn't do.
Pray. We have to get on our knees if we want victory. Our help comes from the Lord. Whatever thing is tempting you, or tempting me, He's got the strength to help us overcome. All we have to do is ask for His help and He will give us what we need.
Father, thank You for the example set before us. Your Word tells us Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet He did not sin. He overcame sin and death and hell and the enemy when He rose again. Thank You that the same power that brought Him back to life is available to us. Help us to be watchful and prayerful, to rely on You for the strength to be victorious, for Your glory, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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