Awake, O Sleeper: Preparing Our Hearts for the Second Coming of Christ
As believers, we hold firm to the promise that Christ will come again, His second coming ushering in the fullness of His Kingdom—a moment of divine redemption and eternal peace. Yet, in His infinite wisdom, Jesus warned us about a subtle yet dangerous enemy to our readiness: the anxieties of daily life.
In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus paints a vivid picture of His return:
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
What a triumphant vision! Yet, Jesus pairs this with a solemn warning in verses 34-36:
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
The Drowsy Heart
Our hearts, the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23), are designed to reflect God’s love and truth. They are the epicenter of our deepest desires, moral compass, and emotional resonance. But Jesus warns that these hearts—so vital and vibrant—can become “drowsy.”
Drowsiness of the heart is not a sudden event; it’s a gradual process. It begins when the noise of life drowns out the still, small voice of the Spirit. The relentless hum of daily responsibilities, financial pressures, relational struggles, and the lure of worldly distractions can make our inner core sluggish. This spiritual lethargy blinds us to the eternal reality of God’s love and purpose.
When Jesus speaks of the “anxieties of life,” He’s addressing a universal struggle. Anxiety can grip our hearts, pulling us away from trust in God’s provision and promises. It whispers lies, convincing us that our worries are more significant than our Savior. Over time, this leaves us spiritually sleepy—preoccupied with the temporal and unprepared for the eternal.
Staying Alert
But Jesus doesn’t leave us without hope. He offers a clear antidote:
1.Be Watchful
Jesus calls us to watchfulness, a state of spiritual vigilance. This means keeping our eyes fixed on Him, seeking His will in every situation, and remaining attuned to His Word. Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, we must keep our lamps filled with the oil of faith, ready to meet the Bridegroom at any moment.
2.Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is the lifeline that keeps our hearts awake and aligned with God’s heart. Through prayer, we surrender our anxieties, find strength for today, and hope for tomorrow. Jesus specifically urges us to pray for strength to stand firm before the Son of Man. This is not a passive waiting but an active partnership with God, seeking His power and guidance.
3.Lift Up Your Head
When fear or despair threatens to weigh us down, Jesus reminds us to “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” This is an invitation to live with a posture of hope and expectancy. By focusing on the certainty of His return, we can rise above the distractions of the world and live with purpose and joy.
A Heart Fully Awake
A heart that is awake is one that is alive in Christ. It is a heart that beats with love for God and others, that rejoices in His grace, and that remains steadfast in faith. When our hearts are awake, we are not just prepared for His return; we actively participate in His mission, bringing His love and light to a weary world.
As we await the glorious day of Christ’s return, let us heed His words in Luke 21. May we guard our hearts against the drowsiness of daily anxieties, staying vigilant in faith and fervent in prayer. Let us live each moment with the expectation of seeing Him face to face, confident that His redemption is near.
Awake, O sleeper. The King is coming! Are you ready?