Are You Ready? Luke 12: 32 – 40

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40)

Jesus is at the height of his popularity. He’s addressing the crowds. And he’s bringing a radical new message. His calling his listeners to be ready for the Kingdom of God. Membership of God’s kingdom will outlast the trials and temptations of this world. So Jesus is encouraging the crowd – get your priorities right. What are you doing to make sure that you are living as a member of God’s kingdom?

So Jesus offers a reassurance. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

This is a comforting reminder that God desires to bless us with His kingdom. His love is generous, and His gifts are eternal. Instead of living in fear, we can trust His promises.

So then, if we are given this kingdom of God, what should our priorities be?

Invest in Eternal Treasures. “Sell your possessions and give to the poor... treasure in heaven that will never fail” (Luke 12:33).

There’s an old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go.” Back in the Old Testament, Job reminds us: “Naked I came into the world, naked I will leave it” (Job 1:21).  That’s true, but here Jesus is saying something different. There is treasure that we can take to heaven – not earthly wealth and possesions, which are fleeting and vulnerable, but eternal treasures – a different kind of treasures – the treasures which determine the kind of person we are: acts of kindness, charity, and love, which develop our character. These treasures will endure. They have everlasting value. “Where your treasure is,  there will your heart be also,” says Jesus (Luke 12:35). Invest in these treasures, and they will reveal what is truly on our hearts.

Living in Expectation: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,” (Luke 12:35).

Jesus offers a picture of servants preparing their master’s return from a wedding - alert, ready to open the door as soon as he knocks. That’s how we should be livin: in a state of readiness, always prepared for Christ’s return, which could happen at any moment. And that involves maintaining a lifestyle of faith, service, and love, always prepared for the Lord’s return.

Stay Vigilant: Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness: “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.” (Luke 12: 37).

If we are faithful, then the master will be faithful to his servants. But he concludes with a solemn warning: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).

Here is a picture of our spiritual calling: Are we prepared? Are our “lamps” - our faith, our love, our service - brightly burning so we are ready to meet with when he returns?

So there’s the challenge for us: examine our lives regularly. Are we living in a way that is honouring to Christ, ready to greet Him when he comes? Are our actions, attitudes, and priorities in alignment with His teachings?

The investments that endure are eternal Investments: acts of kindness, giving, and service. These kinds of investment build treasures in heaven.

So maintain Your faith: keep your “lamp” burning through prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and service. Keep your faith vibrant and ready to shine in the darkness.

Jesus tells us to live in expectancy, to be vigilant, and to invest in eternal treasures. Let’s pray that we will be like those watchful servants, always prepared, always faithful, shining as lights in the world.

Live with expectation, prepared and faithful, ready to meet with Christ.

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your kingdom and the hope of Christ’s return. Help us to live each day with expectancy and faithfulness. Ignite in us a passion to serve, love, and stay vigilant so that when You come, we will be found ready. Keep our lamps burning bright and guide us to live in Your light. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.