Luke 12: 32 – 40 – Ready!
Intro: Have you ever been caught sleeping in church? . . . I’m going to give you 10 good excuses to use the next time you are caught sleeping in church: 1) They told me at the blood bank this might happen. 2) I was just taking a power nap. 3) It must have been the residual smell from the communion wine. 4) I wasn’t sleeping. I was meditating. 5) I was testing my outfit for drool resistance. 6) I was doing a highly effective Yoga exercise to relieve stress. 7) Why did you wake me? I had almost figured out the solution to our budget problem. 8) I didn’t have my morning coffee. 9) Someone must have put decaf in the wrong pot. 10) In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I. It always pays to do as the motto of the Boy Scouts of America says and Be Prepared.
A. When hurricane Rita was headed our way, many people, including Barbara and I, had no idea where we were going or what we would take with us. When you can’t take it all, what do you take?
B. We listen to the warnings every year to be prepared during hurricane season. Since our experience with Rita, people are a little more prone to prepare; but, my guess is as that memory fades, so will the preparedness of the general population.
C. In verses 32 – 33, Jesus gives instructions on the attitude a Christian should have toward our treasures. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
II. Verses 34 – 38, Some people live as if there will be no tomorrow. Live it up and do it all today! “Waiting for the master to return.”
A. We all know that when the boss isn’t around or when no one is around, people tend to goof off on the job! They surf the web, talk with friends on Instant Messenger. In school, when the teacher left the room, we would post a lookout and then do what we wanted until the lookout warned us the teacher was returning.
B. Contemporary Christians have become complacent. Jesus hasn’t returned yet, so maybe we have a few more days. Besides, that’s why we have the pastor. He’s supposed to be watching and warn us.
C. “While touring Europe a tourist visited a lovely estate in Italy. He admired the beautiful garden encountering the gardener he said, “You’ve done a beautiful job. How long have you worked here?” 25 years, came the answer. “How often has the owner been to this estate?” – 4 times – “when was he here last?” – 12 years ago. “You keep the garden so lovely one would assume you were expecting the owner tomorrow.” – “Today, sir, today!”
III. Verses 39 – 40, The gardener couldn’t let the weeding and planting go until he heard the owner’s car in the driveway. He had no way of knowing when he would arrive. “the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
A. In her book, “Favorite Stories.” By Heather A. Hannam, she quotes Oswald Chambers as saying, “God does not call us to be successful, only faithful.”
B. We prefer to worry about all the “what ifs” --- What if: our money doesn’t last until the next paycheck, I get laid off, my marriage is on the rocks, my kids get caught up in drugs, what if I died tomorrow? WHAT IF!?
C. God has promised through Christ to care for us, to redeem us, to provide for us. Yet, you and I want to rely on ourselves. We want to be assured that things will turn out the way we want, when we want.
Conclu: God’s question on the last day will not be, “How much were you noticed?” or “How much did you do?” or “How much did you give?” --- God’s question to each of us will be “Were you ready? Were you faithful in fulfilling your calling where I placed you?” --- Not just once in a while, not just when you were younger, but throughout your entire life. Were you ready?”
