Why is it important to be ready for the Master's return at any time? Setting the Scene Jesus has just finished outlining the global and cosmic upheavals that will precede His physical return. Then He turns from the big picture to the personal: the household servant. Suddenly the end-times discussion lands in the kitchen, the workshop, the office—right where we live. The Faithful and Wise Servant “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45). The picture: • A master leaves on a journey. • He entrusts resources, authority, and people to a servant. • The servant’s job is simple: keep doing what the master asked until the master walks back through the door. Reasons Readiness Matters • Certainty of return, uncertainty of timing – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). – Ignorance of the exact hour is not a loophole; it is motivation to live every hour prepared. • Readiness honors the Master’s trust – He left us responsibilities (Matthew 25:14-30). – Faithfulness proves love and loyalty, not mere obligation (John 14:15). • Reward for faithfulness – “Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions” (Matthew 24:46-47). – Future responsibility in Christ’s kingdom is linked to present obedience (Luke 19:17). • Consequences for neglect – The careless servant is “cut in two and assigned a place with the hypocrites” (Matthew 24:51). – Sobering justice reminds us that grace never excuses apathy (Hebrews 10:26-27). • Stimulus to holiness – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure” (1 John 3:3). – Expectation of His appearing shapes thoughts, words, schedules, spending, relationships. • Urgency for gospel mission – “We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). – Readiness means others must hear; time is short, eternity is long. • Anchor of hope in trials – “The Lord Himself will descend… and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). – Suffering is temporary; the King is at the door. Living in Continuous Readiness • Guard the heart – Daily confession keeps accounts short (Psalm 139:23-24). • Steward daily assignments – Work, family, ministry—all are arenas for faithfulness (Colossians 3:23-24). • Cultivate watchful prayer – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). • Assemble with believers – “Encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). • Keep the gospel on your lips – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Closing Reflection The Lord’s return is imminent and inevitable. Readiness is not a frantic scramble but a settled posture of faithful service, holy living, and hopeful expectation. Live today so that if the sky splits open tonight, you will welcome Him with joy, not alarm. |
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