This simple two word command has so much depth, I am sure that I will only scratch the surface of all the different ways that it is used throughout the scriptures. As I read and studied the scriptures and as I began to research these words, the Lord seemed to shine a spotlight on two specific things for us to be keeping watch for. Interestingly enough I dare say they are the exact opposite of one another. First, we are to keep watch and be prepared for the return of Jesus. Second we are to keep watch and be aware of the workings of the enemy, the evil one. That being said, I believe that the second is part of doing the first. In short, being alert for the return of the Lord is keeping watch and being aware of the schemes of the enemy so as to not fall prey to them. In addition to our opening verse, here are  a few other examples – 

Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”   Matthew 26:41

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Matthew 10:16

“But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap; 

But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”.  Luke 21:34, 36

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;  Colossians 4:2

so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.  1 Thessalonians 5:6

Look at the variety of different ways that these verses all basically say the same thing – 

• “Keep watch”
• “Be as shrewd as snakes”
• “Keep alert”
• “Be alert and sober”
• “Be of sober spirit”
• “Be on the alert”

Why do these verses say to do so? What can happen if we don’t?

• “come into temptation”
• “hearts will not be weighed down”
• “day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap”
• Lack strength to escape difficult times.
• Fall asleep, physically and spiritually.

In short, if we do not stay alert, focused and keep watch, we will be led astray slowly and gradually into the beliefs, patterns and ways of the world in which we live and thus not only not be ready when He does return will miss seeing and being a part of what He is doing in the here and now. 

This, of course, brings us to the ultimate reason to “Keep Watch,” We are to be waiting and watching, ready for the return of the Lord. Will we be like the wise virgins who have oil and are ready and prepared for the return of the Bridegroom? While He has told us the signs of the times, we know neither the day nor the hour at which He will step out of Heaven and return to take His place as our Eternal King. 

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  Matthew 24:42 

“Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.”  Matthew 25:13

“Watch out, stay alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is.   

Therefore, stay alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—”  Mark 13:33, 35

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”)    Revelation 16:15

So, my friends, dear brothers and sisters, let us set our eyes on the prize of the high calling, the author and finisher of faith. Let us keep our eyes, and ears open and attuned to the Spirit. Let us keep our minds open to receive knowledge and understanding and our hearts open to and discerning so as to not be easily distracted and led into the wilderness. 

Keep Watching, Keep Listening – “His sheep know His voice, listen to it and follow Him. they will not follow a stranger (John 10.)

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