When potential storms threaten, a common catch-phrase used by television meteorologists is: “Be weather aware.” To this end, people rely on a number of different sources for information. Some rely on a local television channel or, perhaps, a channel that covers nothing but the weather. Others are comforted by their weather radio with its sweet-sounding alarm. Still others, allay their fears by taking a quick “look-see” at the sky for threatening movement in the clouds. But, for many, weather awareness is the last thing on their mind. “Yes,” they say, “the possibility exists; but it has never happened to me before.” Or, if it has happened before, they reason, “How often does lightning or, for that matter, a tornado hit the same place twice?”
The New Testament has much to say about spiritual awareness. Alertness is at the heart of the meaning of the original term translated, “sober.” Peter sounds the alarm, saying, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). The next verse goes on to emphasize faith as our means of resisting Satan’s advances (cf. Jas. 4:7). Such faith grows within as we hear and apply the word of Christ to our daily lives (Rm. 10:17).
Jesus exhorts us to “be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Mt. 24:42). No one knows but the Father alone (vs. 36). Predictors abound; but they are as fickle as the weather itself. But, of one thing we can rest assured: no one will miss the coming of Christ! John says, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him…” (Rev. 1:7).
Just as people, with the passing of time, grow complacent about the danger of severe weather, so also many grow indifferent about the coming of the Lord. Even in the first-century, some were mocking God, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Pet. 3:4). They had overlooked God’s judgment upon the world of the godly in the Flood and had become willfully ignorant of God’s promise concerning the judgment of fire and the destruction of ungodly men on the day of Christ’s return (vss. 5-7). There is only one reason for His delay: God is patient and unwilling “for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (vs. 9). Be aware for He is coming “whether or not” we are prepared.
— Glen Elliott —