LEARNING DAILY

 

Luke 12:36, “and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.”  Jesus

 

At times I have really struggled to stay awake when driving.  I remember a few times needing to pullover and park between two 18-wheelers for a 20-minute nap so I could just get to work (I was driving about an hour drive each way).  I also remember those times when my chin hit my chest while driving.  I know staying awake when driving long distances or when tired is difficult work.  I also know that my life and those riding with me depends on staying awake and alert.

 

If you are the least bit complacent or “sleepy” in your spiritual life, this is for you.  Pay attention!  In the verses before this passage (Luke 12:35-40), Jesus has been teaching about material things.  But now He turns His attention to His return and the end of days.  It is a major contrast between unimportant material things and the Kingdom of God.  He is teaching us to no longer be lazy and self-indulgent and to focus on His Kingdom.

 

No one knows when Jesus will return; the Bible does not contain hidden messages that can be decoded to tell the date of His second coming.  The only thing we know is He could come at any time.  In this parable, Jesus told His followers they were to be dressed and ready just like servants who were expecting their master to return at any moment.  In this parable, the servants were not sitting around relaxing, they were working, watching and ready to immediately open the door when the master knocked.  No banging on the door and waiting for them to get up or wake up to answer the door.  No, His coming was their most important priority.  They were on duty and watching for His return regardless of the time.

 

There is a very important word in Luke 12:36 – “you”.  You, individually, are responsible to be watching for the return of Jesus.  It does not matter what anyone else is doing!  “You” are to be alert, looking forward to and waiting for His return.  That is what the Greek word for wait means.  When I get sleepy driving, I need to take a break and do the things to stay alert – get fresh air, get a cold drink with ice, chew gum, whatever it takes to be alert before getting back in the car.  As one watching for the Lord’s return, I continue to study my Bible, pray, stay alert to the deception around me and seek Christian fellowship.

 

In this parable, I find verse 37 interesting.  The master returns, finds his servants faithfully watching for his return and blesses them because they are watching for him.  The master they have so eagerly watched for tells them to be seated at the table and then he serves them.  There is a special blessing for those who have watched and are ready for the return of Jesus Christ. 

 

In this parable, those who wait up to all hours to welcome home their master are rewarded to a meal he serves to them himself.  Faithful Christians who are watching and eagerly waiting for the return of our Lord be given their reward as well.  Be watchful.  Eagerly anticipate His return by doing all you can to be ready. 

If He were to come today, would you be ready?

 

“For this man who needs amazing kind of grace

For forgiveness and a price I couldn’t pay

I’m not perfect so I thank God every day

There was Jesus

There was Jesus!”   Zack Williams

 

Even when I can’t feel it You’re working

You never stop working!    Michael W. Smith

 

If you receive this blog through email, you can go to the regular blog page by moving your cursor to the top of the page and click on LEARNING DAILY header.  Then you can see the archived articles and comment section. You can also leave a comment by clicking on the date in the Comment Section.