Waiting With Expectation: Living As Ready Servants

1. The Comfort of God's Pledge (Luke 12:32)

Jesus begins with a word of reassurance: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

This is a comforting reminder that our Heavenly Father’s desire is to bless us with His kingdom. His love is generous, and His gifts are eternal. Instead of living in fear, we are called to trust in His promises.

2. Investing in Eternal Treasures (Luke 12:33-34)

Jesus then instructs us, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor... treasure in heaven that will never fail.”

This teaches us that our focus should not be on accumulating earthly wealth, which is fleeting and vulnerable, but on investing in eternal treasures—acts of kindness, charity, and love that have everlasting value. Where our treasure is, Jesus says, there will our heart be also. Our priorities reveal where our hearts truly are.

3. Living in Expectation (Luke 12:35-36)

Jesus uses the illustration of servants waiting for their master: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”

Imagine servants prepared for their master’s return from a wedding—alert, vigilant, ready to open the door at his knocking. Likewise, we are to live in a state of readiness, always prepared for Christ’s return, which could happen at any moment.

4. The Call to Vigilance (Luke 12:37-40)

In verses 37 and 38, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he returns.”

He promises that the master will serve those faithful servants, inviting us to live with expectancy.

He concludes with a solemn warning: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Living in expectation means maintaining a lifestyle of faith, service, and love, always prepared for the Lord’s return.

Illustration: The Watchful Servants

Let me share a story to illustrate this point. Imagine a group of servants awaiting their master’s return from a long journey. The master, knowing the importance of their readiness, instructs them to stay alert, keep their lamps burning, and be prepared at any moment for his arrival. They do not know the exact time he will come back, but they live in anticipation, eager and prepared to open the door immediately when he knocks.

This image reminds us of our spiritual calling: Are we living with that same expectation? Are our “lamps”—our faith, love, and service—brightly burning so we are ready when Christ returns?

Application:

- Daily Vigilance:Examine your life regularly. Are you living in a way that shows readiness for Christ’s return? Are your actions, attitudes, and priorities aligned with His teachings?

- Prioritize Eternal Investments: Focus on acts of kindness, giving, and service that build treasures in heaven.

- Maintain Your Faith:Keep your “lamp” burning through prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and service, ensuring your faith remains vibrant and ready to shine in the darkness.

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters, the Lord’s return may be sooner than we think. Jesus calls us to live in expectancy, to be vigilant, and to invest in eternal treasures rather than fleeting earthly possessions. Let us be like those watchful servants, always prepared, always faithful, shining as lights in the world.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your kingdom and the hope of Christ’s return. Help us to live each day with expectancy and faithfulness. Ignite in us a passion to serve, love, and stay vigilant so that when You come, we will be found ready. Keep our lamps burning bright, and guide us to live in Your light. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Remember:The master’s return could be at any moment. Let us live with expectation, prepared and faithful, until that glorious day.