Luke 21:36 (KJV)

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the future and the need for vigilance and prayer in the face of the tribulations that will come before his second coming.

The verse begins with a command to "watch ye therefore," signaling the importance of being vigilant and alert in the midst of the trials and temptations that will precede the return of Jesus Christ. The word "watch" here implies not just physical wakefulness, but also spiritual alertness and readiness for the challenges that believers will face.

The verse then continues with the instruction to "pray always." This emphasizes the need for constant communion with God through prayer, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection in the face of adversity. The word "always" suggests that prayer should be an ongoing, consistent practice in the life of a believer, regardless of the circumstances.

The ultimate purpose of this vigilance and prayer is then revealed - "that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass." This points to the promise of deliverance for those who are faithful and devoted to God. The phrase "be accounted worthy" suggests that only those who remain steadfast and committed to their faith will be considered deserving of this deliverance. It also emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in maintaining a strong and unwavering faith, rather than relying solely on the grace of God.

The verse concludes with the hope of standing before the Son of man. This is a powerful image of believers being able to endure the trials and tribulations of the end times and to ultimately stand in the presence of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the ultimate goal of every believer – to be found faithful and worthy in the sight of the Son of man.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus predicts the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the signs that will precede his return. He warns of difficult times, persecution, and false prophets, which will challenge the faith of believers. In this context, the command to "watch ye therefore, and pray always" takes on even greater urgency, as it is a response to the impending struggles and tribulations that believers will face.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful and rich. The concept of watching and praying embodies the idea of spiritual preparedness and the need for constant awareness of the spiritual battle that believers face. It also reflects the importance of staying connected to God through prayer, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection. The promise of being "accounted worthy to escape all these things" symbolizes the hope and assurance of deliverance for those who remain faithful, while the image of standing before the Son of man represents the ultimate reward for those who endure to the end.

Overall, Luke 21:36 is a powerful exhortation from Jesus to his followers to remain steadfast, vigilant, and prayerful in the face of the trials and challenges that precede his return. It emphasizes the need for unwavering faith, consistency in prayer, and readiness for the coming of the Son of man. In a broader sense, it speaks to the timeless truth of the Christian faith – the necessity of watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance in the midst of adversity, in anticipation of the ultimate victory promised by Jesus Christ.