Ready!

Ready!

Luke 12:40 KJV

[40] Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The chapter from where the verse above is taken is partly Luke's account of the Sermon on the Mount, and the teachings of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven. This has also been the focus over the past few days, and this means that God would have us closely consider what His kingdom represents and demands from us. One of the amazing things about the kingdom of heaven is its reliability as well as its unpredictability (not in a bad way) at the same time. It is a kingdom that is real, tangible and true, but to get in, a lot of things would have to align. It is a kingdom with rules, principles and practices, and no man can force his way into it without adhering to these rules. It is also unpredictable because the things man considers important may not even qualify you for entry into the kingdom. It is also unpredictable because it may come for you at a time you are not ready or prepared. 

That is the message of the verse just before the one under consideration today. It says: 'And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through'. We live in times where nothing is certain, but we have a sure word from God that He will return some day. We have a sure promise, but no idea of the day it will happen. For people who love to plan, this may not be ideal, but for any person who wants to partake of the kingdom, you really cannot afford to live carelessly, or without a thought as to where you will spend eternity. For the good man of the house where treasures are stored, you have to be alert at all times. As the good man seeks to keep the earthly treasures safe, so must I also seek to keep the spiritual treasures of God in me safe. An account will surely be demanded.

What this tells me is that there are threats to all that God has deposited in me. We are not privileged to know the day the Lord returns, but He has left us several clues and clear language about the events to watch out for, and how best to prepare. The clear language of the verse above is a case in point. I am  charged to be ready. Being ready means 'in a suitable state for an action or situation; fully prepared'. It means that whatever is coming meets me in a place where nothing catches ms by surprise. I am ready for action at all times, and prepared for any situation that may come. Jesus is coming back soon. When He returns for me, either at rapture, or by physical death, I must be found in Him. It has to be permanent residence; not temporary or convenient accommodation.  Am I truly ready for His return? What will He find in and with me if He returns today? Be sure of your eternal destination. God's time of favour is here.