Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
PRAYING THROUGH ADVENT
The Lord always gives me someone to be praying for it seems. An elderly member of our church lost her husband. She has been in my prayers lately. Before that, a couple who has been married more than 20 years was going through some very serious problems. More than that, prayers for me too!
It is difficult, no, it is impossible for us to escape the sin that is all around us in this world. But it really shouldn't make any difference if the wickedness of this world is oppressing us or those around us. How we handle it is what is important. The Lord has taught us to take it to Him in prayer. Isn't there such a great deal for us to take to the Lord in prayer? He gives opportunities on a daily basis to come to Him with all our burdens and all that weighs on our minds and conscience. Where is the escape? Where can we find rest and relief?
Advent season is a time for us to be watchful and pray for the Lord's coming. The Lord told the disciples in the surrounding verses of the above passage that as the days of evil and wickedness abound to "Lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near." We find peace, rest, comfort, mercy, and strength in knowing what our Savior promises. Advent means "coming." Although it primarily focuses on our Lord's coming to us -- to be born, suffer, die, and rise for our redemption and eternal life -- it is also a time that Jesus reminds us again to come to Him for relief from the burdens we bear.
As we watch for Christ's coming, we continue to pray for the escape and deliverance of all people from this sinful world. At the same time I rejoice with confidence that Christ has declared me worthy, through His sacrifice alone, to stand before Him forever!
