In today’s cyberworld we are cautioned by veteran spies to be ever alert to the scams that come across in emails, texts etc. In the time of Jesus He warned his disciples to “be alert,” be observant, be on guard, be vigilant to their world around them because soon their quiet time where they could sit and ask questions of the Master would come to a screeching halt. All of life would then become a world in which they must be on guard against those who would claim to be He but in fact were false. Today we live in a world that moves at “warp speed” with our texts, twitter, facebook posts. Our phones rarely ring but they warble with the vibration of a new text message or a new twitter, or a new post on facebook. We have alerts to scams, alerts to a missing person, alert phone numbers, and alert signs abound! Thus Jesus’ warning to “be alert” comes at a precipitous moment. But, how does one remain at alert 100% of the time? Here are some helpful hints:

Be in the mode of prayer: Mar 14:38 Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Be discerning: 1Pe 5:8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

Begin your day rightly: Isa 50:4 He wakes me up every morning; he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do.

Why be alert? Rev 3:3 I will come like a thief, ITh 5:2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night.

Today, be ever watchful for the Lord’s return. He has given us the signs that we might be aware but only the Father knows the time. Thus to be alert is to be vigilant and prepared lest He come and we are not involved in the task He has left: the gospel must be preached to all nations.