In Luke 12: 35-40 Jesus gives a parable about “Watchfulness”. It reads,
35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Jesus gave many of his teachings in parables. He tried to teach others about the truth and the light by giving living, relevant situations. He wanted his listeners then (and now!) to search and understand the spiritual meaning in each story. Every time I read the parables a new meaning or interpretation shines through.
This parable from Luke 12 reveals that a servant that is not only watchful for the master’s return, but actively working and striving to serve the master in the most opportune time will be rewarded. Anyone that knows the exact time and date of the master’s return will be prepared. The real test is comes when we don’t know the master’s arrival. Each day the servants must go about their daily tasks with responsibility and care knowing that the master could return at any moment. This parable teaches us we should be watchful of his return. We do not know the date and time of Jesus’ return. Nevertheless, we must be watchful and prepared.
As you read deeper into the story, you notice that the servants kept their lamps burning into the third or fourth watch of the night. This would take preparation and work to ensure there was sufficient oil and wick to last through the night.
As servants of the Lord, we must prepare, work and be watchful for his return at any time. Are you prepared and watchful for the Lord’s triumphant return? Are you willing to diligently prepare yourself and others for the judgment day? Then as the old hymn states, “There’s a great day coming, a great day coming; There’s a great day coming by and by, When the saints and the sinners shall be parted right and left, Are you ready for that day to come?”
Father, we thank you for all the blessings and comforts of our lives. Let us be like the servants awaiting their master, prepared and diligently watchful of your triumphant return. Allow us the strength to actively spread your word, do your work, and let your light shine in a manner that is pleasing to you. Lastly, we pray for rain to nourish your land. In Jesus’ most holy name, Amen.
Adam Tittor
Grapevine, Texas
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