Luke 21:34 "Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you”

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Jesus had been talking to the disciples about the time when He will come again a second time. This second coming is the time when He will take His faithful followers back to Heaven to live with Him. Jesus gave several signs to watch for. He told of events that would happen as the time of His return grew close. But in Luke 21:34 He gives a warning to not let things have so much of our attention that we forget to watch and pray and find ourselves not ready for His return.

The King James Version uses the word “surfeiting” which means a headache caused by excessive drinking or eating. Eating or drinking in excess puts a strain on the digestive system and alters the mind, causing it to become dull and unable to concentrate on prayer, Bible reading, or any other kind of worship. It also makes the mind unable to sense God's directions for us in our daily lives.

Jesus also mentioned worry or anxiety about life. We cannot be watching for the return of Jesus if our minds are constantly taken up with worries. Even worrying about what will happen at the end of this world does not prepare one to be with Jesus. There are several different beliefs, among the various Christian religions, about what will happen when Jesus returns, and the events leading up to His return. With that many different beliefs, which ones does a person pick to worry about? Jesus didn't give us the signs and warning to make us worry. He gave them to us so we could be aware of what is happening and why. But instead of worrying about it, we are to trust Him and be dependent on Him to carry us through it all. Trusting and surrendering all to Jesus is what will get us ready to be with Him when He comes. Keeping our minds healthy, clear, and free from worries will make it possible for us to see the signs of His return and to watch for it with joy instead of fear, knowing He will be with us all the way.

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