LA2-NSRW-3-0536.jpg: Karl Wagner  (1864–1939) 

"Watch them pigeons,"  my father-in-law would say as the punchline of a joke flew over my head. It was a good natured reminder to wake up and cautiously avoid being head on the head by the stuff that pigeons often drop.

Watch out!

I can think of a number of idioms for the phrase:

Look out!

Stay on your toes!

Take heed!

Keep your eyes open!

Watch your step!

 “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom and five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them …” – Matthew 25:1-13

When I had to learn memory verses as a child, “Jesus wept” was a wonderful standby. That was simple and was only two words to remember.

Here is another, more to the point: As a Boy Scout, our motto was as easy, “Be prepared.”

The Marines have “Semper Fidelis”

We do not know the day when the Lord will come and settle all accounts.  But He demands that we live in a state of watchful expectation rather than fanciful speculation.  We are to be ever looking unto Jesus. We are to be ever watchful, ever faithful, and ever ready for His return.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith …” (Hebrews 12:2)

That is the great challenge of our lives.  It is with seeking wonder and faithful awareness that we stand on tiptoe as watchmen in the night. 

His coming, whenever it will be and however, he will manifest himself, will be a joyous and awesome occasion and our privilege is to be at a state of present readiness. It will be a grand party, like a wedding feast.

 Every challenge in our lives comes down to this great challenge: To be found faithful when He come again.

But that future hope must not obscure the present reality that He is here now, present with us and that our call to readiness involves listening for His voice and observing what He is doing in our midst.

It summons us to be ready for His call in every life situation and prepared to act upon His command at any moment.

Let us be watchful.

Let us be faithful.

Let us be expectant.

Let us be hopeful.

Let us be standing on our tiptoes.

Maranatha!