Luke 12:35-48 – Are You Ready?

Read Luke 12:35-48

For centuries, there have been forecasters, theologians, even common folk trying to figure out when Jesus will return. This is one of the passages that is often reviewed. I don’t know about you, but the line, “for the Son of Man will come when least expected,” tells me it will be hard to predict.

I don’t think God wants us to know. It’s like the analogy of the burglar. If you knew your house was going to be broken into, you would be ready for that! You would prepare with stronger locks, have a diligent watch underway, and maybe even the police on the line (or 911 on speed dial). God wants us to be prepared because we want to not because we have to or should.

The key message here is to be ready. Don’t assume you’ll get an email announcing Jesus’ return. There will be no social media event scheduled. When we least expect it, Jesus will return. I want to be one of the servants he rewards. Don’t you?

There have been so many predictions over the years. People are continually putting their faith in someone else’s “guess”. Elsewhere in the Bible we are told that not even the angels know. God has a master plan in play, and he is keeping this hand close to the chest, as they say.

This might be the biggest test of our lives. Are we ready to welcome Jesus? With so many activities and options these days to choose from, we can often fill up our calendars with trivial time wasters. That’s okay so long as our “house” is in order and our hearts are cleansed and ready for Jesus.

When I read Jesus may come in the middle of the night or at the break of dawn, I hoped for the former. If it’s the middle of the night in the central time zone, chances are very good that I will be up, ready and thrilled to open my door!! I see the word “may” and realize that there is no certainty on the time of day. Realistically, it is a different time of day all around the world at the very same instant.

Jesus’ return will be glorious! All shall see and know. Do you want to be one of those who has prepared and lived as Jesus wants us to live, or who has opened your heart and let Jesus in, or who stands ready to leave it all to follow Jesus? Yes indeed, our reward will be great.

We may not see it in our lifetime, but that’s okay. Jesus will return. What we need to do, in addition to being ready ourselves, is to make sure we have left a legacy of faith. We can think of this as the footprints we have left on this earth for our children, their children, etc. This should include others we encounter as well. Our footprints should lead straight to the heart of Jesus so that all can enter in. We want everyone to hear the glorious promise of eternity surrounded by a loving God.

What are you doing to prepare?

These verses should help to empower you.

“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.” That could be us when we know Jesus and his will for us but go on our own way instead. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think severe punishment is a route I’m willing to take. 

“But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly.” These people who don’t know are the very ones we need to be finding and sharing with. Thankfully, if we miss one or two, they will only receive light punishment. Still, that’s not a risk I want to take for my loved ones. Punishment is punishment.

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” This one was the one! I have certainly been given much. Everything belongs to God, and he has given me so much to care for. Accordingly, I am even more “required” to get moving and open my mouth! I don’t want to disappoint Jesus in my efforts to love others as he first loved us. Everyone deserves love and to know Jesus is coming back for them!

Are you ready?

Let’s pray. Lord I don’t know if I’ll feel completely ready from an obedience standpoint. Yet, I do have confidence that I am living for you and  more focused on you than ever. Help me in establishing the legacy that will speak to generations. I feel like some of the people closest to me don’t understand how deeply they are loved and cherished. In their brokenness, shine through and lift them from the rubble. Surround them with your love so that they recognize you at last. Thank you for the courage to stand and proclaim what you mean to me and how you have helped me overcome so much. Use my story. Bring those to me who need to hear from you, and give me your message. Thank you for the freedom I have to worship and adore you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.