Jesus said:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBe dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them sit down to eat, and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.\u201d
\u2014 Luke 12:35-40 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nAnd again:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBe on guard! You do not know when the owner of the house will come\u2014whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!\u201d
\u2014 Mark 13:35-37 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nThese verses remind us of the story of a master who had many servants, each with a responsibility: some prepared meals, some cared for the animals, some kept the house secure, and others performed daily chores. Each servant had a role.<\/p>\n
One day, the master left to attend a wedding and told his servants to stay alert. He did not say exactly when he would return, only that they must be ready at all times\u2014whether evening, midnight, or morning. Those responsible for security had to be prepared to open the door immediately when he arrived. The emphasis was on constant vigilance, because the servants did not know the hour of his return.<\/p>\n
If the master had returned unexpectedly after two days and found the servants asleep, they would have faced serious consequences.<\/p>\n
This story is a parallel to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Every true believer is a servant of Christ and has been entrusted with a gift to build God\u2019s kingdom. These gifts are meant to be active and fruitful until Christ returns. If He comes and finds a gift unused or dormant, it shows not only that the gift has failed, but that the servant has been spiritually \u201casleep,\u201d distracted by worldly matters\u2014placing them at great risk.<\/p>\n
We must remember daily that we are on God\u2019s mission. We are called to be faithful, diligent, and watchful in the tasks He has entrusted to us.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor, in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.\u201d
\u2014 Hebrews 10:37 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDo not fall asleep spiritually. Stay alert, stay faithful, and let your gifts and actions honor the Lord while you wait for His return.<\/p>\n
May the Lord bless you abundantly.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n