Are You Ready?
Luke 12:35-48 – January 30, 2022
Last week it was Hypocrisy, Fear, Worry, & Possessions. An example of this Acts 5:1-11.
INTRODUCTION: 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-9.
Luke 12:35-38. Literal translation is “Let your waist be girded.” A belt around the waist so the robe might be pulled up and tucked into or under the belt. Your lamps burning – your faith, mentally prepared. Soldiers ready, heads clear, packed. Returning from a wedding banquet: When a Jewish couple became betrothed (engaged) the bridegroom would build a place for himself and his bride. It was up to his father to say when it was ready, not the son.
Jesus gave an example of this in Matthew 25:1-13. The Point is Be Ready! Be prepared.
Luke 12:39-40. Jesus seems to change the subject here, but He does not. Instead, He is making the stronger point, you cannot know when He will return, so always be ready.
Luke 12:41. Peter asked his questions but as we will see Jesus did not answer it directly, but answered in three parts.
Luke 12:42-44. This is NOT just for teachers and pastors, but also for parents, husbands, wives, friends, etc. You will or are called upon to feed those around you with the Word of God by action or word. Some may be afraid because of James 3:1.But do not be afraid, instead be ready! The servant here was ready and he will be rewarded – v44.
Luke 12:45-46. This is someone who believed they could fake it until Jesus returns. Instead, he or she ends up with the unbelievers or those without faith, who do not believe.
Luke 12:47-48. It is difficult to think of punishment when we know we are going to heaven, but here I want you to remember Moses. In Exodus 17:6Moses is told by God to strike a rock and water will come out for the people. He did and water did indeed come out. 40 years later, Numbers 20:8-11 Moses is told to speak to the rock and water will come out.
There are some who say the reason is the Rock symbolizes Jesus who takes care of our thirst with living water. The first time striking the rock is His crucifixion. After that, He does not have to be crucified again, we have only to come to Him to receive His living water.
Jesus makes this same point in John 7:38
Thus this is not about salvation, v47-48, but whether or not you will receive rewards in heaven – will you deserve rewards? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15addresses this question.
And in Acts 1:9-11. It is affirmedHe is coming back!
Another reference on how we are not to be drunk as in v45, but sober. That is in1 Thessalonians 5:1-66So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. Sober = clear-minded, not distracted
Are You Ready For Christ’s Return? Are you sober, clear minded, not distracted?
How do we stay prepared for His return ….?
Hebrews 10:24-2524 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.