BEING VIGILANT (10-21-10)

Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
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In our household, when we know that visitors are coming, it causes us to straighten up the house to a state of readiness. We make sure that the floor is spanking clean and the receiving room smells good.

But have you ever had visitors drop by unexpectedly? Perhaps there were dirty dishes in the kitchen or the laundry was out or the ironing board was in the middle of the living room or the toilet is a mess. That would be the true measure of our readiness. The point that Jesus is going to make in today’s gospel is that Jesus is coming back unexpectedly. And we have to be at constant watch. Because of this, we are to live lives of readiness.

Readiness for God means that we are prepared to do the smallest thing or the largest thing— it makes no difference. It means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Jesus Christ expects to do with us just as His Father did with Him. He can put us wherever He wants, in pleasant duties or in menial ones, because our union with Him is the same as His union with the Father.

The important point is that we do not know when Christ is going to return. We are assured that it will take us by surprise. People who speculate on the nearness or remoteness of the date of His return are lessons on futility. What is important is that you always be ready. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! Are you?

Let us pray +

Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus' precious and holy name.

Amen +

The Lord speaks of peace to His people.