Be Prepared for Jesus’ Return

Read Luke 12:35-48.

The doctrine of Christ’s return is a vital part of the Gospel. While Christians can have legitimate disagreements about the details surrounding Christ’s second coming, we must all live each day in a state of readiness for His return. This world, with all its busyness and worry, will pressure us to take our eyes off Jesus. Troubles will threaten to weigh us down, and circumstances will distract us, but we must lift our eyes to Jesus, who has made us more than conquerors (see Romans 8:37).

Let everything you do be motivated by the knowledge that Jesus will return, possibly one day very soon. Be sure you’re living in a state of preparedness so you will not be caught by surprise when He comes. Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, . . .” (Luke 12:35). A good servant is ready and waiting so that when his master returns, he is prepared.

To be dressed is to be ready emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We are not to go about our lives as though Jesus’ return has no bearing on how we live today, but neither are we to sell everything we have and go wait on a mountaintop for His coming. He wants us to be living in anticipation of His return. To have our lamps burning is to let the light of Christ shine forth from our lives. We are to be witnesses, alert and not asleep, understanding the times.

Jesus also warns those who are unprepared for His coming. He says His appearance will be like the arrival of a thief in the night. These are the people who are too busy building their nest egg here on earth, too distracted by their responsibilities, too concerned about what others think of them. They have no time for Jesus.

But for those who love the Lord and are waiting for His return—for them, His coming will be like the joyful culmination of labor that brings a baby to the arms of his mother. The faithful will rejoice at the sight of the Lord’s coming because great will be their reward!

Prayer: Jesus, may I anticipate Your coming by living for You each day, sharing the hope of salvation with all You put in my path. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.