Luke 21:34-37 34“But give attention to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who lives on the face of the whole earth.
Jesus next addresses how his followers should act while they await his coming again. There are two key exhortations embedded in these verses. First, Jesus calls disciples to give attention (prosechete). This word means to give close attention, focus, and watchful care about a situation. In this case, Jesus puts it in three negatives about what to avoid.
The first area to avoid is intoxication, drunkenness, or disapation. It could characterize a party that has gone too far. It is an attitude of caring less for any consequences but indulging in the moment to gratify selfishness. This condition can then lead to drunkenness where one loses control. The Bible gives many warnings about getting drunk because many bad things can happen as a result. Intoxication of any type can create physical, mental, and relational problems and lead to spiritual problems and sin.
The third area incorporates those who are not prone to the first two ills. The cares of life refer to the anxieties that result from the daily grind most people experience. Stress, worry, fear, and uncertainties can weigh on any person, even strong and mature Christians. The things of life can chip away at a person’s confidence and distract him or her from the most important spiritual matters. All three of these challenges will take our focus away from Jesus, his kingdom purposes in our lives and those in our sphere of influence. They will keep us from being ready. They are traps that ensnare us and bind us to earthly life.
That day refers to Jesus’ coming. It will be a glorious day for those who are ready, but it will bring great sorrow and trepidation for those not ready and caught in doing bad things. As verse 35 reminds us, no one will escape. When Jesus comes, he will bring the kingdom in its fullness. The righteous will be rewarded, and the wicked will be judged. Jesus’ goal in these verses is to motivate his followers to be vigilant and always ready by living in faithfuk obedience.
For older posts, click here.