Bible Passage: Luke 12:32-48; Matt 24:43-51

What is our level of preparedness?

Today’s passage reminds me of a children’s hymn, “The Wise Man Built His House”.

I believe we are all familiar with the parables of the ten virgins, of the wise man who built his house on the rock, and the foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Do we learn from these teachings?

The parable of the good servant and evil servant emphasizes on the need to remain watchful for Jesus’ second coming.

A master appoints his servant as a ruler over his household. Note how much faith the master has for his servant that he entrusts his entire household over to him.

This reminds me of Joseph, who was faithful in all things that Potiphar, his master entrusted him with all matters of the household.

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…”

Luke 16:10

The servant is evil if he tramples on his master’s trust, thinking the master would take ages to return. He “begins to beat the male and female servants, and to “eat and drink and be drunk”.

Note the consequences that the evil servant has to bear:

1)      Cut into two

2)      Appoint him his portion with the unbelievers

3)      Beaten with many stripes

Similarly for us today, have we forgotten that Jesus will come soon? Does our fear of his second coming gradually reduce each day?

Are we entangled in our worldly affairs that we give in to our sinful and fleshly ways, thinking there is still time to indulge in our carnal desires?

If we continue to be part of this world, when Jesus comes again, it would be too late.

If He arrives to see how we give in to our evil desires and blatant lack of fear and reverence for Him, He will not hesitate to punish us.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven..”

Matthew 7:21

The path to heaven is narrow, because there are many obstacles along the way to trip us up, deceive and lead us away from the right path.

Some of us ask ourselves, “What if it were today? What if Jesus takes away my life tonight?”

Are we prepared to face Him and give an account of what we should or should not have done? Will God be pleased with our level of prepareness?

While we still can, we need to store up our riches in heaven, remain watchful and vigilant, looking forward to his return, because that is very soon.

May God have mercy on our weaknesses.

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