Luke 12:32-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:32-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Verse 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Verse 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Verse 35"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; Verse 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Verse 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. Verse 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. Verse 39"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. Verse 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
Devotion
My friend Sergio and I left town at 3:00 a.m.; it was a rainy, foggy drive the whole way from San Bernardino to Pasadena. We had to walk for what seemed like miles in order to find our place in line, and then we stood there for another four hours. I was cranky, sore, and tired, until we saw a Stealth Bomber fly overhead, announcing the start of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Then, the excitement was hard to contain, and getting up at 2:15 now seemed well worth it.
From that moment on, all eyes were fixed down the street as we began to hear marching bands in the distance. People were on their tip toes, yearning to catch a glimpse. The parade was simply amazing.
We are asked to be ready for Christ's return, and sometimes that can feel like so much work, but I have a feeling that, when that parade comes, it will be amazing.
Prayer
Almighty God, we thank you for the beauty of your creation. We watch plants and animals grow and give witness to your glory. We pray in thanksgiving for the beauty and glory that is to come. Help us to put aside our fears and instead look toward your coming with eagerness. Into Christ we pray. Amen.