Make Good Use of the Time

Time of giving birth to something new

John 16:19–24 ESV

19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Read Romans 8:22 for edification. The whole creation has been groaning with birth pains.

Rest only when it is convenient

This mean sometimes work for tough days are ahead.

7 years of plenty in Egypt where a preparation for 7 more years of famine

Thew prodigal Son inheritance was indication to be ready for days of famine to come.

Matthew 26:38 ESV

38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

First time Jesus came and woke them up to watch.

Matthew 26:40 ESV

40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?

The second time Jesus found them sleeping, he did not wake them up but left them to sleep.

We should not just think it is fine, do something about it. `Even if Jesus is saying nothing.

Matthew 26:43–44 ESV

43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.

Jesus warning that we should fight unnecessary relaxation, not being watchful, not being on guard.

Matthew 26:45 (ESV)

45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

In this passage, Jesus rebukes the disciples for giving in to tiredness and allowing sleep to overpower them.

When tough days are coming, tiredness becomes the enemy to drive away breakthroughs and victories.

So fight the sleep. Overcome the sleep, control by causing yourself to be awake.

When someone is preparing for exams they drink strong drinks and wash their faces to keep awake because the desire to achieve and overcome is greater.

Jesus said you can sleep and take a rest later, that is afterward. The hour at hand does not allow sleeping without attention to the Lord. Thank you Jesus for these words.

Watch and Pray is a command

What they are to do now is Watch and Pray.

Note that translators did not say watch and watch OR pray and pray but specifically watch and pray.

It meant the translators knew that the original speaker meant to “watch and pray”.

The “watch” comes from Greek “gregoreo” meaning to be awake, on alert.

Pray is translated from greek “proseuchomai” meaning to pray, make supplication, worship.

Therefore, “watch and pray” means don't sleep, be on the lookout, be vigilant, see what is happening around you AND then pray. DO NOT just pray but see what is around you, in your life, on your children, school, family, government, country, etc...

Message of warning to the Church

Revelation 3:2–3 ESV

2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

This is a message that belongs to the church in Sardis reminding the church to be awake (i.e. watch) and strengthen what remains and is about to die, their works were found incomplete by the Lord.

Give attention to Remembering what was done or spoken

Their waking up involves remembering what they received and heard, keeping it, and repenting.

Acts 20:31 ESV

31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

Apostle Paul spoke to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:31 to be alert (to watch), remembering that for three years he did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. They have to remember the advice, warnings, and instructions given to them.

What to do when Attacks come or increases

Fast and Pray

Fasting and prayer speeds what the Satan wants to do and at the end God fulfil His purpose.

Fast and Pray makes us realize that problems are not an enemy if handled properly.

Jesus was tempted and He handled it well. He did not Sin against God.

Jesus Warned About His Coming and gave signs to Watch

Mark 13:14-23

The anti Christ standing where he needs to stand, bringing abominations of desolation.

In those days, pray that it may not happen in winter. This is direction to those watching and praying.

There will be tribulations as has bot been since the creation.

False Christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, don’t believe them.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Mark 13:28–29 ESV

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

Stay Awake for no one knows the time(s) set by God.

Remember Mark 13:32-37 Jesus will return suddenly and we should be awake, watching and on guard.

That is time of Jesus Returning

Time of your Blessing

Time of your Healing and Deliverance

Time of your Death, etc

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 ESV

6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Conclusion

Make time to study the word

Make time to meditate

Make time to remember the words spoken, taught, advised, etc

Pray without ceasing