"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." (1 Peter 4:7)
Okay, this is our "default" version, the NKJV. But let me share with you some other versions. "We are near the end of all things now, and you should therefore be calm, self-controlled men of prayer" (Phillips). "The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer" (NASB). "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray" (NIV). "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers" (ESV). "But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer" (Amplified.
The message is clear, at least to me. When you see, "The end...is near," pray. Don't panic and be fearful, rather, "be calm." Only pressing in to Jesus, which is another way of describing prayer, will keep me "serious and watchful," will keep me, "calm, self-controlled." Only Jesus, living and reigning in me, can keep me, "of sound judgment and sober spirit," keep me, "alert and of sober mind," and, "self-restrained and alert." All of these commands demand our choice to obey, and only in Jesus Christ do I have the grace and power to so walk.
According to Strong's, the word translated, "end," can mean, "the principle end, purpose, consummation (the end-goal, purpose) such as closure with all its results." We are two thousand years "closer" to the "closure" of this present age, than when Peter penned this to the First Century Church. Events are accelerating an an ever-increasing speed. Just as Israel was called to be a witness nation, so too is the Church called to be a witness nation. In all my praying for governments I have no illusion that it is not ultimately nations which will affect the destiny of mankind; it's the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Church, "calm, self-controlled men of prayer." It is the Church, "....of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." It's the Church, "self- restrained and alert... for... prayer."
You and I may not be "big names" in the Church/Kingdom, but those are not whom Jesus calls. Neither is the command of Peter to just a few select "intercessors." Our text is to all members of Christ's Church. Along with "folded-hands" praying, pray at the sink; pray in you car; pray in the shower; pray walking between meetings. Be "creative" in this. The Lord Jesus Christ is with and in you; "therefore...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, in Your Holy Spirit keep this command before me, more regularly than just every three months. Amen.
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Right now we are praying and planning for a March Mission
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
