30th Mar 26 | 13:54
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Luke 21 29-33 WATCH AND PRAY V 03 Luke 21 29-31 The upward call of God
📖 Luke 21:29-33
*FRIEND OF GOD*
17Jun2021 - *The upward call of God* - _Luke 21:29-33_ - WATCH AND PRAY V (03) – Bible reading: _Philippians 3:13-15_
This is the time when we put in all that we have into the task that the Lord has given to us so that we finish our race in glory. We need to be focused on the Lord and not be distracted or discouraged over the matters of this world. We must tighten up our lives and complete the work to which we have been appointed, in excellence.
_Luke 21:29-31 Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. (30) When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. (31) So you also, *when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near*._
When we see all the events happening in our world, we know that we are at the end of this age. We are at the home-stretch of our race and we must now put in our all and sprint to the finish line, in glory.
_II Timothy 4:5-8 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, *fulfill your ministry*. (6) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7) *I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith*. (8) Finally, *there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness*, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and *not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing*._
Apostle Paul is encouraging us. He is sure of the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give him. He is telling us that the same crown of righteousness is awaiting all of us, who will complete our race in glory.
Paul gives us the same understanding, as he spoke with the leaders of the church at Ephesus. This is the attitude and perspective, each of us, as His people, need to have in these last days.
_Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; *nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus*, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God._
The writer to the Hebrews, tells us, _Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, *let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us*, (2) *looking unto Jesus*, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God._
Till the very end of our race here on earth, the Lord is there to empower and enable us to overcome the sin that easily ensnares us. Let us look unto Jesus, complete our race and receive the crown from the Judge.
_I Peter 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away._
We are at the very end of our race and *the Chief Shepherd is waiting to meet us at the finish line with the crown of glory*.
_I Timothy 6:11-12 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (12) *Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life*, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses._
These passages are all given to encourage us to press on and put in all that we have in completing our race here on earth in glory. Always keeping in mind that it is our submission that we are talking about, the enablement is from the Lord, the Holy Spirit.
_I Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? *Run in such a way that you may obtain it*. (25) And everyone who competes for the prize *is temperate in all things*. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (26) Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. (27) But *I discipline my body and bring it into subjection*, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified._
We are called to be temperate, to be disciplined and bring our lives more and more into subjection to the will of God. There is sin all around us. Yes, we have been delivered from the shackles of the law of sin and death, nevertheless, we are in this body, where the flesh can still affect us, which we must overcome by His Spirit.
_Philippians 3:13-15 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) *I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus*. (15) Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you._
Apostle Paul is pleading with us to follow him as he is pressing toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
In this world, there will be temptations but we are given all the resources to live a victorious life. _James 1:12 *Blessed is the man who endures temptation*; for when he has been approved, *he will receive the crown of life* which the Lord has promised to those who love Him._
*Thought to ponder*
```The righteous judge is waiting for us at the finish line, with the crown.```