What does "one will be taken" in Luke 17:34 imply about readiness? Context of Luke 17:34 “ ‘I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: One will be taken and the other left.’ ” (Luke 17:34) • Spoken immediately after Jesus recalled the days of Noah and Lot (vv. 26–32)―times of normal, daily life suddenly interrupted by divine intervention. • The wider scene (vv. 20–37) contrasts the visible kingdom expectations of the Pharisees with the unseen, imminent arrival of the Son of Man. • Jesus underscores surprise and separation: ordinary settings (bed, mill, field) become places of eternal division. Understanding “One Will Be Taken” • Taken to safety with Christ: Jesus later promises believers will be “caught up … to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). • Left to face judgment: those outside Christ remain for the outpouring of wrath (cf. 2 Peter 3:10). • Parallel passage reinforces this dual destiny: ‑ “Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-42). • Literal, physical removal—instant, selective, irreversible. Readiness Lessons From the Separation • Closeness is not enough: sharing a bed, job, or household does not transfer salvation. • No time for last-minute decisions: the moment arrives without notice—“the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). • Daily life continues until the instant: buying, selling, sleeping, working—then sudden division. • Personal accountability: each soul answers individually to Christ’s call. Practical Marks of Readiness • Living faith in Christ alone—active trust, not mere heritage or association. • Obedient lifestyle: “Remember … Keep it and repent” (Revelation 3:3). • Watchfulness: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35-37). • Separation from worldliness: as Noah entered the ark and Lot left Sodom, believers guard hearts from a culture oblivious to judgment. • Consistent testimony and service: investing talents, loving neighbors, sharing the gospel while time remains. • Hopeful anticipation: “remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed” (1 John 2:28). Key Takeaways for Daily Living • The phrase “one will be taken” highlights sudden, selective deliverance; readiness is non-negotiable. • Spiritual preparedness cannot be borrowed; it is secured personally through repentance and faith. • Alert, obedient living keeps believers poised for Christ’s instant call. • Today is the window to be sure we will be among those taken, not left. |
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