How can we be like "servants waiting" for Christ's return in Luke 12:36? Setting the Scene “Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.” (Luke 12:36) Live Alert and Ready • “Be dressed for service” (v. 35): keep the “work clothes” of obedience on at all times—no off-duty hours • 1 Peter 1:13—“prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded” • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) keeps the heart uncluttered and unashamed at His appearing Keep the Lamps Burning • Continuous intake of Scripture fuels the flame (Psalm 119:105) • Prayer is the fresh oil that keeps the wick from smoldering (Ephesians 6:18) • Yielding to the Spirit prevents burnout and blackout (Galatians 5:16) Guard the Door • Servants listen for the “knock” of the true Master, not impostors (Matthew 24:24) • Discernment rejects sin and error before they cross the threshold (Jude 3–4) • A clear conscience is the latch that opens “at once” when He arrives (1 John 2:28) Invest in the Master’s Interests • Luke 19:13—“Engage in business until I come” • Steward gifts, time, and resources for kingdom profit (1 Corinthians 4:2) • Acts of mercy and evangelism are deposits that await His audit (Matthew 25:40) Encourage Fellow Servants • Hebrews 10:24–25—spur one another on “as you see the Day approaching” • Mutual accountability keeps the household awake and united • Shared worship rehearses the joy of the coming wedding feast (Revelation 19:7) Sustain Hope with Assurance • Titus 2:13—“while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory…” • Romans 8:23—present groaning is framed by promised glory • Hope is not escapism; it powers endurance and purity (1 John 3:3) Daily Takeaways • Dress: clothe yourself in Christ every morning (Romans 13:14) • Light: refill the lamp through Scripture and prayer before the day runs long • Door: keep conscience clear so nothing slows your response to His knock • Work: treat every task as service rendered directly to the returning Lord (Colossians 3:23–24) • Fellowship: stay close to other watchful servants; isolation dulls expectancy Thus we wait—not idly, but eagerly, faithfully, and visibly—so that when the Master steps onto the threshold, we open the door with joy, hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” |
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