Today's Word of Encouragement
March 30, 2020
WAITING FOR THE LORD’S RETURN
Monday, March 30, 2020
Read Luke 12:1-59
Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them (Luke 12:37).
In the 4 Gospels Jesus told some 46 parables. A parable is a story, often taken from nature, that illustrates a spiritual truth. Jesus spoke in parables because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given (Matthew 13:11). In other words, He told parables in order to r eveal t hidden truths of God’s Kingdom to those who wanted to know them. People who were not concerned about the truth ignored the parables. People who were really wanting to know about the kingdom would seriously think about the parables.
In Luke 12 Jesus gives 6 rules for life in His kingdom.
1. There’s no place of hypocrisy.
2. Be a faithful steward of all the gifts from God.
3. Be ready for the Lord’s return.
4. Don’t live for the temporary - live for eternity.
5. Seek to live at peace with each other.
6. Store up treasures in heaven.
Luke 12:35-38 is the parable of watchful servants. It’s the 3rd parable in the series of 6. In the parable, the master of the house goes away to attend a wedding. A wedding celebration in Israel could last up to 7 days. The last day may run late into the night, meaning the master might return home very late at night. While he’s away, the servants’ responsibilities would be curtailed. But while performing their duties they would watch for their master's return.
Jesus told His disciples that, after His death and resurrection, He would leave His people for an extended period of time. Now, we can be lazy and take advantage of His absence, or we can be active and watch for His return. It seems the longer He stays away, the less likely we are to watch for His return. But those He finds watching will be His honored guests in His kingdom when He returns. Think of it, we will be the honored guests of the King of kings and Lord of lords! The only difference in this parable and those that speak of His appearing is that, instead of leaving to attend the celebration, He returns to host the celebration!
Our time of service here may seem long and tedious at times, and it may seem like Jesus has delayed His return, but He will return! Blessed are those servants the Master finds awake when He comes!
Pastor Martin