Wake-Up Call: Are You Ready?

Living Ready in a Time of Prophetic Tension
Ezekiel 38–39; Luke 21:28; John 14:2–3; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:6

Athletes, let me ask you something: how many times do you check the scoreboard before the final whistle? How many of you want to know where things stand? That urgency, that focus—we feel it when the game’s almost over. We tighten up, we dig in, we stay alert.

Well, let me tell you--the prophetic scoreboard is lighting up. And just like we watch the clock in a tight game, Jesus calls us to watch and be ready (Matthew 24:42).

This past week, the world watched a massive strike unfold in the Middle East--Israel’s Operation Rising Lion—with jets and drones targeting Iranian nuclear sites. These events aren’t just headlines; they are echoes of ancient prophecies, some fulfilled, some yet to come.

And for us, as believers—and especially for you as athletes with platforms, influence, and purpose--this is a wake-up call.

Point 1: Israel—A Prophetic Signpost
The Bible is clear: God has a plan for Israel. It began with Abraham, when God said, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3). God made an everlasting covenant with Israel.

We saw a super sign fulfilled on May 14, 1948, when Israel became a nation again, just as prophesied in Ezekiel 36–37. Israel was scattered and regathered--just like God said it would be.

Now we watch as tensions rise with Iran, a nation known in Scripture as Persia (Ezekiel 38:5). This conflict is not random. It’s not just political. It’s spiritual. Persia is listed among the nations that will one day rise against Israel.

And while what happened last week is not the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38–39, it is certainly a foreshadowing.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:28 (NIV)

Point 2: God’s Prophetic Timeline—Like a Countdown Clock
Let’s walk through the chronology of the end times quickly, like a coach laying out the game plan:
    1.    Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
    2.    Rise of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4)
    3.    The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
    4.    The Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19:11–16)
    5.    The 1,000-Year Reign—The Millennium (Revelation 20:4–6)

We’re not setting dates, but the signs are all around us. It’s the fourth quarter, and Jesus is calling, “Wake up! Be ready!”

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” – Luke 12:40

Point 3: What Should We Do?

1. Get Right With God
Every athlete knows this: you can’t win if you’re playing for the wrong team. In the same way, you can’t walk in power if your heart isn’t surrendered.

Jesus said in John 14:2–3, “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

But He also says in verse 27: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Athlete, listen--Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?

If He came back tonight, would He find you living for Him, or for your own glory? Would He find your heart full of faith or full of fear?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5

This isn’t just about reading signs in the sky—it’s about responding to the call of Christ now.

2. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
Psalm 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper who love you.”

We don’t just observe prophecy—we participate in God’s plan through prayer and partnership. God isn’t done with Israel. And if we want to align with God’s blessing, we must align with His heart.

Let me challenge you: don’t just watch global events--let them drive you to your knees. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for protection. Pray for awakening. And pray for the Jewish people to come to know Yeshua—Jesus the Messiah.

Be Like a Ready Player
Think of an athlete on the bench—helmet on, strapped up, eyes locked on the coach, ready for the call. He doesn’t know when, but he knows it’s coming.

That’s how we should live. Not casual. Not complacent. But locked in. Ready to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me. Use me. Prepare me.”

Jesus said it like this: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning…” – Luke 12:35

Friend, if you’re not sure where you stand with God today, don’t delay. You might be talented, gifted, and full of potential—but if Jesus is not the Lord of your life… if you have not trusted Him with your now and your future…if you’re lost, all of that means nothing for eternity.

Jesus died on the cross for your sin, rose from the dead, and offers you new life.

“Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Repent. Believe. Follow Him.

The scoreboard is ticking down. Now is the time!
•    Are you living like Jesus could return at any moment?
•    Do your priorities reflect your faith—or your fame?
•    How can you use your platform as an athlete to be a light in these dark times?
•    Are you praying for the peace of Jerusalem—or just playing for your own peace?

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word that gives us clarity in times of confusion. Thank You for prophecy that prepares us—not to panic, but to persevere. Lord, we pray for Israel—for peace, for protection, for the people to come to know Jesus, their Messiah. Wake us up, Lord. Make us ready players—focused, faithful, and fruitful for Your kingdom. For those here who don’t know You, draw them by Your Spirit. Help us to walk in hope, to compete with integrity, and to live for Your glory. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
In Your mighty name we pray,
Amen.

The scoreboard is ticking. The signs are clear.
Let’s live ready. Let’s live like Jesus is coming back today.

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