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
Once, someone asked me if I believed that Jesus is coming back soon. I replied, “I’m ready!”
I can approximate the word “soon” from a human perspective, but not from God’s. Each day we are closer to the great glorious day when our Savior returns with all the saints. Will I see Abraham and Sarah, Martin and Katie, and my faithful Norwegian ancestors? If I die before Jesus returns, will I shout, “Here we come!”
Faith convinces me of two things: one, Jesus will return; two, in all affliction and persecution I can wait with my head held high in anticipation of the One who has removed all curse from me. I am so ready for Jesus to return soon, ending evil that messes up this world. I so long for all people that on earth do dwell to know Jesus and sing praises to him with a cheerful voice. I am ready.
Prayer
Most holy and loving God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit: Whether I see Jesus coming in the clouds in the middle of the night or near dawn, or whether I see you after I draw my earthly breath, I am ready. Amen.
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