Luke 12:35- 48  "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight."  

I recently read a novel written in 1921 about the return of Jesus.  The main character came to Christ and immediately became convinced of the Lord's soon return.  He was a newspaper editor and so he wrote  about it.. and he made up a sign that simply said, "Today? Perhaps!"  This image has stuck in my mind.  I know that in light of current events some people are saying and thinking about the Lord's return in our day.  We do not know when that glorious day will be, but maybe we also should make a sign.. "Today? Perhaps!"  It would be a powerful message proclaimed to a world that needs to know.. Jesus IS coming soon!

In this passage Jesus tells His disciples to be "like men who are waiting for their master.. "  How are they to be ready?

They need to be dressed in "readiness"... or to "let your loins be girded about"-- as Ephesians 6:14 tells us "Stand firm therefore, having girded you loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness." To be dressed in "readiness" is to have the full armor of God.. and standing firm in Him.  

Jesus also said to "keep your lamps alight." This brings in mind the parable of the maidens who also waited for the bridegroom.. some with extra oil and some with none.  It speaks of readiness and preparation. 

Jesus said that they should be ready to "open the door to him who comes and knocks."  He spoke of being "alert"... they are watching for Him.  "Whether he comes in the second watch or even in the third.. " the faithful servant is watching and ready.  "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."  It is vital that we recognize Who it is that is coming!  We must know Him and watch for Him.. May we be alert and prepared. 

Peter wanted to know who this message was for.. just the disciples? Or everyone?  To answer this Jesus returns to the illustration of the master and his servants.. "Who then is the faithful and sensible steward.. "

Who is the one who is doing the will of the master?  He will be blessed. He is ready no matter what time Jesus comes.  As the old song goes.. "May be morning. May be noon, May be evening.. and May be soon."

Who is the one who thinks the master is not returning.. so he does whatever he wants.. is cruel and selfish and evil?  These are the ones who will be taken by surprise when the master does return and he will be punished with many "stripes" or "lashes". 

Another old song comes to mind.. " I wish we'd all been ready.. "  Inspired by the old book I decided to reread the Left Behind book.  If you have read it then you remember the heartache of those who should have known and been ready.. but were left behind while their loved ones were taken to heaven. How I pray.. Lord let all of my family... all of my neighbors.. be ready!  Spirit of God, move in us today to proclaim the coming of our Lord Jesus in all His glory and power. Amen.

Oh Lord God, our Father and Jesus Christ our Savior, we are looking for that Day.. but we are not all ready.  We have been distracted by the things of this world. We have been lazy about our preparations.. please forgive us and cleanse us from all unfaithfulness.  May we  be renewed in the" spirit of our minds." ( Ephesians 4:23) and put on our "new self" which is "created in the likeness of God" - righteous and holy and full of truth.  We put on the full armor of God today that we may stand firm in Your strength.. ready, prepared and faithful.  May Your church be alert and watching for the coming of the Bridegroom.. today? Perhaps!  Thank You Jesus. Amen