So, as I was reading today’s verses, I had to look into what exactly ‘dissipation’ is as it relates to today’s teaching and here is what I found. Dissipation is “a self-indulged life – a life of amusement”. I think this is very convicting in 21st century America, where we have the ‘me first’ and ‘you do you’ movements. But let it not be so for us, the Christ-follower.

[Luke 21.29-38]

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Consider this teaching in the light of what Jesus asks us to be wary of: Dissipation and drunkenness – how does this speak to you?

+ Jesus foretells of the signs of His coming yet elsewhere in the bible it says we will not know the day and the hour of His coming [Matthew 24.36] Exactly what does He mean here?

+ When Jesus says to stay awake at all times, I believe he is asking us to be on guard always, mindful always of his return. Having our thoughts constantly returning to him. How do you interpret this teaching?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there any action the Lord may be asking of me today?

+ How may the Lord be calling me to obey Him today?

+ Who is the Lord calling be to stand in the gap for through prayer today?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ What sins may I need to confess after reading todays scriptures?

+ Who can I love like Jesus loved today?