Ready for Action

Scripture: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:37-40

Observation: The parable of the servant being awake and attentive for his master's return quickly becomes a prophesy about Jesus's second coming. The message is clear: Do the work Jesus has commanded - keep the commands he has stated - however the timing of his return will be completely unexpected.

Ironically, the entire history of Christianity from that point forward has attempted to figure out when Jesus's return will occur. Even Paul hypothesized about the near-term return of Jesus, and Peter asked at least twice a follow-up question about the timing. Jesus is clear ... the timing is unexpected and cannot be known, it is likely to be late when you least expect it, and believers better be ready anyway.

Application: What does "ready" look like for me and all believers today? It certainly means at least three things:

1) Following the commands of Jesus, which includes loving God, loving others, spreading the good news, baptizing and teaching, and obeying the law

2) Staying awake and alert and paying attention so that as soon as he 'knocks' we can respond

3) Remaining vigilant in both of these attitudes, without falling into traps that would cause one to assume Jesus is not coming and backside in behavior

This is what I must do - I must follow Jesus's instructions, stay awake, and remain vigilant. I do these things by knowing God's will (through reading the Bible and prayer), remaining engaged in the community of believers, and serving God consistent with the ways God wishes us to love others.

Prayer: Lord, I do believe I am awake, prepared, alert, and vigilant in being prepared for your return. I know I cannot know the timing, but how I YEARN for it to be soon ... even now. This world needs you, and your faithful do grow weary at the hour. I will remain on guard, ready to jump at your knock at the door, and seeking ways to love others every day. Amen.