Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants 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. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand 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. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:32-40
Jesus has several related subjects for us in this lesson: God has given us the kingdom, we are to provide for the poor and not store up earthly treasure, and we are to watch and wait for His return. That’s a lot to take in through just a few verses! Jesus always had a single plan in mind when He taught – God’s plan for us, and even though there was much to hear and learn, it was all connected to that single truth.
Every teaching connects us to loving God, loving neighbor and making disciples. If we looked at all our thoughts and actions to make sure that it fits one of these commands, we would be more like Jesus every day. Being aware of the needs of those around us and using the gifts God has given will enable us to spread the Good News as we have been called to do.
Jesus told us to wait patiently but actively – always being ready for the coming of the Kingdom, but doing God’s will on earth until that time comes. If we continue His work enthusiastically, we will be the good and faithful servants He expects, ready to welcome Him when He returns.
Gracious God, we are blessed to be part of Your plan, serving You and our brothers and sisters. Thank You for calling us to be participants, not just observers. May we be good stewards of all You give us, using Your gifts wisely and generously. Amen.