Day 98

Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalm 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24

YOU MAY NOTICE as we read the Gospels that Jesus became more and more focused the closer He got to His time of suffering. It’s as if He was trying to impart as much as He possibly could in the remaining time. In today’s reading, Jesus discussed vigilance as a vitally important part of our faith journey.

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,” Jesus said, “as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast” (Luke 12:35-36).

In this illustration, Jesus taught that the servants who were ready would be rewarded (and even be served) by the master. But He also made vigilance a personal thing:

“If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into,” He said (Luke 12:39).

Vigilance is required in our relationship with God in the same way that it is required for any successful and life-giving relationship. Jesus taught us that vigilance is both toward God and over our own soul. We must be ready for Jesus’ leadership (and His return) in the same way we would pack a bag in advance and be ready to dash to the hospital when labor has begun and new life is about to arrive.

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them,” Jesus said (Luke 12:42). What does that look like in your life? Are you one to whom the Master can entrust the responsibilities of managing His Kingdom? If not, vigilance over what God has entrusted is the place to start.

MEDITATION:

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.