Are You Ready?



"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Luke 12:35-40)

While the title of this devotion seems like a line from a game of "Hide and Seek" and not part of a Lenten devotional series, it can be a serious matter as we look at our preparedness for the coming of Lord and Saviour, Jesus, the Christ. In verse 35, Luke gives us two visual elements as he describes the readiness for the return of the Master from a Wedding Feast: we are to be "dressed", and we are to "keep our lamps burning." Why would Jesus instruct us to do this? Imagine being notified the Queen of England had requested to visit your home at a specified date and time during a visit to Devon. You would most assuredly work to ensure your home was immaculate and would either wear your finest outfit or rush to purchase a dress/suit worthy of the Queen.

It is doubtful anyone reading this has a home, or furnishings, on a comparable level with Buckingham Palace. Yet, the hosts would clean, vacuum, polish, dust, and even likely replace burned-out light bulbs in their homes. In today's world, this seems not only appropriate but expected, and something is commonly done with the great anticipation of receiving a guest that few on this earth has ever received in their home.

As we look at Luke 12, why would we not approach preparing our hearts for Jesus' return with the same enthusiasm and excitement as receiving a visit from the Queen? Since we do not have an appointed day and time, have we delayed our preparation for His coming since we do not have a fixed day and time? Do we have our lamps and front porch lights off?

As we focus on the coming of Jesus, we are challenged to be faithful to God's commands. This is done daily by seeking to be closer to God through prayer, the reading of His Word, and showing the fruit of the Spirit. Since we do not have an appointed time for His return, it is easy to become consumed with our pleasures (work, family, greed, etc.) and be unprepared. As we encounter this exciting season of Christendom, we should all prepare for His arrival. As sure as the sun rises in the east, He will come again, whether we are ready or not.

LET US PRAY - God, grant us the strength and diligence to focus on Your eternal promises. May we spend each day in prayer and immersed in Your word as we prepare and clothe ourselves for Your coming. Grant us the desire to keep our lamp burning daily as a shining light to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.



Location: Exmouth, Reino Unido

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