Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. Luke 12:35-37
Dear Lord Jesus, I’ve suffered through some horrible teaching about your second coming through the years—most of which generated self-centered fear, gospel-less speculation and political sensationalism. That’s hardly what you had in mind when you charged us to watch and wait for your return.
But this morning as I meditate on this one passage, a lot of the rubbish and rubble of bad exegesis and even worse application is cleared away. It’s amazing what happens when I take the time to read the Bible wearing the lens of the gospel. I begin to see you more clearly, and by you, I start to see everything else as it really is…
Jesus, I’ve never been more ready for your return, for I’m wearing the dress with which you’ve already clothed me—a wedding garment of your perfect righteousness. I’m no longer afraid of your return, I so very much WANT you to come back—my glorious Master, my grace-full Bridegroom. The oil in my lamp will never run dry, for you’ve sealed me as your own and have sent the Spirit to dwell in my heart forever.
So, because the gospel is true, I’m ready for service, in two ways. First of all… and this actually blows the circuit-boards of my imagination… I’m ready for you to serve me. According to your Word, you’ll have me, and your whole Bride, “recline at the table” and you will come and wait on us!
What wondrous love is this, indeed? All you’ve ever done is serve your people—in creation… by your incarnation… your crucifixion… your resurrection… your ascension… your heavenly intercession. Astounding… astonishing…
Secondly, because of your service to me… past, present and future… I’m motivated and moved to serve you and serve with you, now. Jesus, where do you want me to show up the rest of my days in this world? I’ll not wait simply as someone pensively looking at a calendar for your return. I’ll wait as a servant—as someone with a towel in my hand, following you into the prepared harvest and the firstfruits of the new heaven and new earth. Whose feet do I wash, as one washed whiter than snow by your blood? Who do I serve, as one ever served by you? So very Amen, I ask and pray, in your beloved name.
