ESOCS Devotional 3 April 2021
TEXT: MARK 13:28-37
MEMORY VERSE: “Take ye heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33 KJV
“Take ye heed, watch and pray,” were the words of our Saviour spoken in reference to the time of the end, and His Second Coming to take His faithful children home.
First, you are to watch. Watch, lest you should speak hastily, fretfully, and impatiently. Watch, lest pride should find a place in your heart. Watch, lest evil passions should overcome you, instead of you subduing them. Watch, lest a careless, indifferent spirit comes upon you, and you neglect your duty and become light and trifling, and you influence savor of death, rather than life.
Second, you are to pray. Jesus would not have enjoined this upon you, unless there was actual necessity for it. It is well known to Him that of yourself you cannot overcome the many temptations of the enemy, and the many snares laid for your feet. He has not left you alone to do this; but has provided a way that you can obtain help. Therefore, He has bidden you to pray.
And as you ask, you must believe that God hears you. Plead your case before God, through Jesus, until your soul can with confidence rely upon Him for strength, and you feel that you are not left to do the work of overcoming alone. God will help you. Angels will watch over you. But before you can expect this help, you must do what you can on your part. Watch and pray. Let your prayers be fervent. Let this be the language of your heart, “I will not let Thee go unless Thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). Have a set time, a special season for prayer. Daniel prayed to his God, notwithstanding the king’s decree, and the fearful den of lions. He was not ashamed, or afraid to pray; but with his windows opened, he prayed three times a day. Did God forget His faithful servant when he was cast into the lion’s den? No, No! He was with him there all night. He closed the mouths of these hungry lions, and they could not hurt the praying man of God (Daniel 6:3–28).
Brethren, you cannot live without food; you would soon feel the cravings of hunger, and your bodies would pine and die. You need spiritual food just as much, and often, as your body needs temporal food. Read the words of our Saviour in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
What are those side attractions that are not allowing you to obey God’s command of take heed watch and pray? Cry to God about them.
PRAYER POINT
Ask God for strength and grace to take heed, be watchful, and prayerful.
FURTHER READING: Luke 21:34-36; Matthew 26:37-40
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ESOCS Devotional 3 April 2021
