What Jesus Did! 'Be Ready!' — Luke 12:35-40

Sunday, August 20, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

"Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."

— Luke 12:35-40 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus had just urged his disciples to invest in things that are eternal. [1] Now, in today's verses, he reminded them to be ready for the beginning of this eternal future. The time of his coming is unknown and could be at any moment, so be ready. His coming will be unexpected by many, so be ready. In addition, there is a great blessing for those of us who are looking for his coming and are ready for his return. Are you ready?

[1] Luke 12:33-34.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me a greater sense of urgency and expectation about the coming of Christ. I want to be ready and to greet that day with joy and celebration even though I can't know the day or hour of his coming. Give me wisdom as I try to invest in eternal things that matter to you. Give me the courage to live with purity and holiness as I seek to offer myself to Jesus as one prepared for his coming. Give me a sense of joyous anticipation as I await my Savior and the blessing of his glorious return and his ultimate victory over Satan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52-55
  • 2 Timothy 4:6-8
  • 2 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:35-40 NLT — "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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