Are You Ready?

Daily Reading:  Luke 12

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, (Luke 12.35)

Devotional Thought:  How can I be ready for Jesus' return?  He teaches us in Luke 12 to be...

• Attired.  If we have sufficient clothes to wear between laundry days that should be enough, right?  But, our closets are full.  Is this what Jesus is talking about?  Physical clothing?  No, this is not about what we are wearing on our bodies.  Jesus is concerned about how our souls are dressed.  And, there is only one proper outfit for the child of God: the robes of Christ’s righteousness.  Are you dressed in Christ?

• Active.  At different times when people are working on various building or landscaping projects, I’ve shown up dressed in a suit and tie, on my way to or from some pastoral function.  Invariably I get the comment: “Those don’t look like work clothes!”  I take it in stride, and quip back, “These are my work clothes!  I'm working!”  When Jesus returns, he expects us to be busy serving in his Church.  His lambs need fed and cared for.  His sheep need led and prayed for.  We are dressed for service.  Are you serving in Christ’s Church?

• Ablaze.  Jesus told a story about ten bridesmaids, waiting on the start of the week-long wedding ceremonies.  When the festivities started, five of the bridesmaids were invited in while five were left out in the dark – literally.  The five who were excluded had allowed their lamps to run out of oil and to burn out.  When Jesus returns, he expects that our lamps will be burning.  That means that our lives and our words will be shining testimonies to the hope that we have in Jesus.  Is your lamp burning bright?

Jesus is coming.  Be dressed, active, and burning bright!

Prayer: Lord, help me to be ready for your return - to be dressed in your righteousness and holiness, to be busy at work in your vineyard, and to be shining bright with the love of Jesus!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 139.1-6

1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.