Luke 12:32-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:32-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Verse 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Verse 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Verse 35"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; Verse 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Verse 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. Verse 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. Verse 39"But know 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. Verse 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
Devotion
OK, yes, lambs are endearing and wonderful to hug, but Jesus' reference to his followers as "flock" is hardly complimentary. Sadly, sheep are prey, not predators — with little ability to defend themselves when attacked. They need the protection of the shepherd and the shepherd's dogs. When Jesus refers to humans as sheep, I suspect he is skewing the pretentious human notion that humans are all-powerful and self-sufficient. Note, humans, Jesus speaks of a "little flock," not a "powerful herd."
Consider noting also that when Jesus says "it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," he leaves no notion that the sheep control their own destiny as we 21st-century humanoids are prone to imagine. Rather, he reminds his listeners of the actual relationship between the Creator and the created. He invites them to focus on the shepherd and not depend upon their own devices — and to really keep focused — not just somewhat focused, like my puppy who is all eyes when I am cooking in my kitchen but at other times, not so much!
Prayer
Jesus, this day may my eyes focus on you — attentive to your direction and will. Keep me from distraction, but if I stray, call me back and redirect me. Amen.