“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. 36 Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38 Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. — Luke 12:35-38, NASB

The parable is an exhortation to readiness and preparation for Christ’s return, using the example of a team of servants awaiting the arrival of their master who has gone away to attend a wedding feast.

Unlike most wedding celebrations today, those back in ancient Israel were multi-day affairs with no scheduled end date. They could last a week or more, and as a result the servants of this parable would not really know when their master would return. Being faithful and respectful of him however, they maintain a state of readiness around the clock in anticipation of his return.

Our Lord is currently away in heaven to receive His kingdom from the Father and prepare a place for believers. His return to this world for His church is imminent, though
no one knows the day or the hour. In His absence, Christians have been given the responsibility to keep watch and be ready. This involves living in a manner that glorifies Him, keeping His word, encouraging other believers and capitalizing on opportunities to share the gospel until the time of His return. True believers put God first, and in doing so they are always ready for Him, whether he comes "in the second watch, or even in the third."

Because of their faithfulness and readiness, the servants are fully prepared for their master and immediately open the door to welcome him back to his house. He rewards their vigilance and commitment by extending the invitation to recline at his table while he swaps roles and serves them. Jesus did the same thing with the disciples, and will likewise bless the saints in heaven at the marriage supper of the lamb.

In his first letter of encouragement to the church in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul reminds the brethren that as "sons of light" destined for salvation, their charge is to be alert and sober, encouraging one another in faith until the Lord's blessed return. Believers know what lies ahead; therefore they do not reside in darkness but rather the light of truth, awaiting the Lord in constant readiness.

Christ will certainly reward faithful servants who continue in His work while anticipating His assured return. Until then, it is the calling of all believers to be found "on the alert" in faith.

Image:
Luyken, Jan (1649-1712); The Faithful and Wise Steward; Medhurst, Phillip (attribution)