December 19, 2023

Why did Yeshua [Jesus] warn his disciples [and us] to be watchful [for what?] and that they should be seeking worthiness [by what standards?] Yeshua warned them [us] of coming “things” that would be profound, and of great significance… Luke Chapter 21 is His explanation of the last days and the turbulent times that would challenge their [our] faith and emotional stability. He spoke of evil, and great deceptions, that would try to draw them [us] away; and He said there would be wars and terrifying commotions… and that they [we] not be terrified, as “these things” must first come, but in themselves, these things are not the end.

It is my thinking that our present world and its maddening rebellion against truth, justice and righteousness, especially to the Biblically informed, should be a wake-up call to get one’s house in order. This is vitally important because Yeshua’s warning should not be falling on careless ears.

Some years ago, during my study of this section of Luke, while I considered these words of Yeshua, I wrote in the margin of my bible these words:

“If being [saved] alone could make you “be counted worthy,” then why would one need to watch and pray that they would be counted worthy…?”

I think this direct caution from our Master Yeshua is about our maintaining a faithful, watchful and determined mind-set, and living a “separated” life, that is unblemished from the outpouring of filth and abhorrent lifestyles being flaunted upon us from all directions… even within many so called churches. Undisciplined ways dull one’s senses and can draw such persons to weariness or carelessness. It reminds me of the parable of the unfaithful steward, who Yeshua defined like this:

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” mat 24:45-51 nkjv

To me, it is noteworthy that both these verse's, in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, are at the end of the detailed warning scriptures that are clearly speaking of the last days… when it will be difficult (if not impossible), without the Holy Spirit’s power in us, to remain faithful to Yeshua’s instruction [He was/is Torah in the flesh]… the great push from the evil cabal will to be to separate us from the “TORAH WORD” that upholds and sustains us. Although, the Bible tells us that “greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world:”

“ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.” 1 jn 4:4-5 nkjv

While this true and greatly comforting… it is not automatic. It is Yahweh who sets us apart [sanctifies us with His Word/Truth], however it is our choices and subsequent actions that determine the outcome. Thus, the words of Yeshua: “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.”

Faith in Yahweh’s Word and our faithfulness to Him provides the light that overcomes the falling darkness that is enveloping so much of the world around us; Faith in Yahweh’s Word and our faithfulness to His expectations of us is the power source that is “greater in us,” that prevents the powers of darkness and the evil cabal of globalists, pushing their distortions and lies continually against truth, justice and holiness, while simultaneously flooding us with their immoral and corrupt policies and agendas, from overcoming us.

Paul admonishes us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds [i.e., Yahweh’s Word in us, renewed daily], and that we be continually aware that we are in a spiritual battle, not a natural flesh and blood battle. He says we must “cast down” imaginations and all high things that dispute the Word of Yahweh. These understandings and realities are the “weapons of our warfare,” which he says are “mighty in Yahweh,” and they are of Him and not of us. And so, we once again remember Yeshua’s warning to His disciples… “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.”

As a scriptural inspiration and power source, I prescribe this set of scriptures to help with “watching and praying” as we seek to be counted worthy to escape the dark days of the end times and that we can stand before the Son of Man:

Psalms chapters 1; 31; 61; 91; 121…

Here's an audio message that focuses on Truth's battle with deception and Babylonian “confusion” being poured out on us in every venue we encounter daily. It is a message to “love the truth,” or perish (That is what Paul warns the early Thessalonian church about; 2Thes chapter 2). I hope you will listen to it… only 12 minutes.

Shalom, John