Luke 12:37 (ESV)
Blessed are those servants whom
the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress
himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve
them.
This is culturally backward, but
it is the motivation for keeping watch. The master who finds his servants
watching for his return will seat them at a table and serve them. Typically
when the master returns the servants serve the master. They would prepare a
meal for him. He would recline at table, and they would serve him. But here he
serves them.
That raises two questions. What
does it mean to watch for Jesus’ return? Why does he serve those who are
watching? The second question is perhaps the easier to answer. In God’s economy
leadership is service. Additionally, the scriptures talk about rewards for
faithful service. What is done here and now in the name of Jesus is not done in
vain even if we do not see the results. God will reward us.
The first question is more
difficult. What does it mean to watch for Jesus’ return? Does it mean that we quit
our jobs, sell everything we own, and travel the country telling people that Jesus
is coming back like the followers of certain alleged prophets have done in the
past? That is essentially what Jesus called the twelve to do, but I don’t think
that is what he meant here. He had just been talking about storing up treasure in
heaven. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever
you do, do all to the glory of God.” He is not asking construction workers to
turn their construction site into a preaching station. He’s not asking farmers
to preach to the seed and fertilizer sellers or to set up a pulpit at a cattle
auction. He’s not asking accountants to preach to every client. But I think he
is saying at least three things.
First, he is saying that whatever
we do, we should do it in a way that honors and glorifies God. That may include
the idea of excellence, but more importantly it includes the attitude with
which we work and how we treat those around us. Do they see Jesus in us?
Second, I think it means that we
pray for those we’re working with. Do you pray for those at your job site, your
clients, your buyers, your vendors? Do you pray for your family and your
neighbors.
That leads us to the third
applications. As you model Jesus and pray for those around you, are you watching
for where God is at work? Are you intentionally watching for the opportunities
and open doors God gives you to speak truth? Are you sensitive to the leading
and direction of the Holy Spirit as to what to say, how much to speak, and when
to share?
A conscious awareness of the imminent
return of Christ will, I believe, lead to those three applications. Don’t get
so distracted with all the stuff and activity of life that you lose that awareness.
Keep watch.
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