We continue tonight thinking about things that we should do at all times. A very important thing for us to always do is strive to be ready for the day that we will stand before the Lord in judgment. Jesus put it like this:

Luke 21:36 (ESV)
³⁶ But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

These words are referring to the time when Jesus would come in judgment against the Jews by using the Romans to destroy Jerusalem, though there is some dispute about that. Nevertheless, the principle being set forth would be applicable to any judgment that will come at the hands of Jesus, including the final judgment. One thing is for sure, when it comes to the second coming of Christ, we should stay awake at all times.

There is nothing more important than being ready for the second coming of the Son of Man. First, there is no doubt that Jesus is coming back. We do not know when. In fact, not even Jesus knows when He is going to come back (Matthew 24:36). This is precisely why we must stay awake at all times. His coming could be near or far away, we just do not know. However, if we stay ready, it really does not matter. This, then, was the constant exhortation of Jesus.

Matthew 24:42 (ESV)
⁴² Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 25:13 (ESV)
¹³ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

We know what one has to do in order to get ready for the coming of the Lord, that is, obey the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36-38; Mark 16:16). However, it is just as important for those of us who are Christians to STAY ready.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 (ESV)
⁶ So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

Sometimes the admonition to wake up is given. That reveals a problem to which some have already succumb. The admonition to Christians is to not fall asleep in the first place, in other words, “stay awake.” To be spiritually asleep is to have unrepented sin in our lives and that is what we must avoid. Why? Because Jesus could return at any moment. The picture that the Bible gives of the second coming of Christ is one of almost instantaneous action. One of these days, the trumpet will sound, the dead will rise immediately, and those who are alive in Christ will be changed in a twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Do you see what we will not have time for in that scriptural picture of the last day? There will be no time for repentance. The time for repentance will have passed. When Jesus comes back, either you will be ready or you will not, but the time for change will be over. If there is one thing that we need to do “at all times,” is stay spiritually awake by a continual walk in the light. Be steadfast. Stay alert. And whatever you do, do not go to sleep. You might not have the opportunity to wake up.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.