Pray and be ready!

1 Peter 4:7 "The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer." • Peter is writing to Christians who suffer for Jesus' sake, to those who have taken on Christ's attitude that hardships for God's cause are part of our purpose as His people. He now offers a perspective which is both encouraging and a warning: it's almost over. Peter writes that the end of all things is near, or "draws near." Everything necessary for history to come to an end has already happened. Jesus Messiah has come, lived, and died. He's been resurrected and ascended back to His Father where He reigns now over the universe. And, He is ready right now to judge all who live and have ever lived. Peter affirms that we are now living in the last days or end times. That day continues to draw ever nearer. So, what is the right response to this awareness that the end of all things is near? Peter's answer is that the most rational response is to pray. That prayer requires strong and clear minds. Peter writes, we must be self-controlled, or alert, or exercising sound judgment about our choices. And we should be sober-minded. In this context, "sober" means "serious." In other words, we should be careful about how we live. Our choices impact our ability to think clearly. It is better to be self-controlled, so that we can pray. How necessary is prayer for Christians? It is crucial. Pray and be ready!