“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Luke 12:40 NLT).
Jesus told a parable about a master returning from a wedding banquet and how his servants should be ready to open the door of his house the moment he knocks. He could return any hour of the night, so they must always be ready.
Jesus told this parable to illustrate the importance of His disciples being ready for His return. He used the Messianic title “Son of Man” to refer to Himself. He would first have to accomplish His mission to overcome sin, death and the grave, but one day, at an hour we do not expect, He promised to return.
So what does being ready for Christ’s return look like? I suppose in many ways it looks like being ready for a friend to arrive at your house to pick you up and take you to the airport for a long journey. You’ll have already purchased your airfare. You’ll have your bags packed and lined up at the front door. You’ll have your house in order, newspaper and mail arranged for pickup by a neighbor and pets fed by a friend. Then, as you wait, you’ll be looking out the window and pacing the floor with anticipation for your ride’s arrival. When they appear, you’ll be ready to open the door and load up their car for the journey ahead.
How does being ready for a journey help us prepare for Christ’s return? First, make sure you’ve arranged for airfare. Jesus has already paid our way, but we must come to Him, confessing Him as Lord and Savior, in order to receive our heavenly ticket. Get your bags packed and your house in order. Order up your life around following and serving Jesus. Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things (See Col. 3:1-4). Arrange the use of your time, talent and treasure, so that everything is ready for Christ’s return. Then, watch for Him. He could come at any hour.
Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly.
PRAYER: Dear Father, as we follow Your Son, help us to also always be ready for His soon return. Keep us from being overly involved in temporary things. Help us to stay focused on eternal things. And if today is the Day of Christ’s return, help us to spend this day serving Him and watching for Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.