Luke 12:35-48 When Jesus told His disciples to be dressed and ready for service; He didn't mean that they should sleep with their clothes on. He meant that they should be always fresh in their relationship with their Savior. He told them to keep their lamps burning, like men waiting for their master's return from the wedding banquet. One should be like the five wise virgins who brought extra oil in case the wait was long they wouldn't run out. Oil in the Scriptures very often refers to the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. The verses in Luke imply a state of expectancy. One's mind is on special alert when a particular event is anticipated. No one has to wake up a child on Christmas morning - he's ready long before it comes. Preparation is also involved. Consider the preparation involved at Christmas time, getting ready for your wedding, or preparing for the birth of a child. We do what's necessary to get ready for the event. We have an event coming that's of far greater importance than any other, that is, the return of Christ. We are called to prepare for that in the same way that we prepare for the other events in our lives. He has given talents and abilities to us that we are called on to use in the service of His kingdom while we are waiting for His return. What kind of state will we be in when He returns? Will we be in a place that we would want Him to find us? Will we be doing what we would like for Him to find us doing? Will we have been using our time, talents, and abilities doing His thing? Or will we have been doing simply what has stroked our own flesh desires? When He returns we will be held accountable. There will be rewards and punishments. How soon will He come? One day sooner than yesterday. And with world events as they are, it could be very soon.

Dressed & Ready for Service