Jesus said to his disciples: "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have the servants recline at table, and proceed to wait on them."
Luke 12:35-37
Jesus gives His disciples a scene that is both ordinary and full of meaning. It is nighttime. The house is still. Outside, the streets are quiet. Inside, a few faithful servants sit ready, their lamps burning, their belts fastened, their ears tuned for the sound of footsteps and a knock at the door.
They do not know exactly when their master will arrive, but they are certain he will come.
This is not the anxious waiting of someone fearing punishment. It is the patient, eager readiness of those who love. They want the door to open the moment he knocks.
Waiting like this is not easy. Days can blur together. Our hearts can grow dull. We can forget why we are keeping watch in the first place. Yet Jesus promises that such faithfulness will not go unnoticed.
When the master arrives, He will not only be pleased, He will surprise His servants. He will seat them at the table and serve them Himself.
It is a picture of heaven, but it is also a picture of what can happen now. Every time we choose to forgive, to keep praying, to show kindness when it costs us something, we are keeping our lamps lit. We are living ready. And the One we are waiting for is the same One who delights to serve us.
Where have you grown weary in your waiting for God? What is one thing you can do this week to light your lamp again and keep watch with joy?
Lord Jesus, keep my heart awake to You.
When I grow tired, remind me of Your promise.
When I am tempted to give up, help me hold on to hope.
Let my life be ready so that when You come, I may open the door with gladness.
Amen.
