The Urgency of Spiritual Wakefulness
As Christians, we are called to be spiritually awake and alert, eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what does this mean, and why is it so important?
In Luke 12:42-46, Jesus tells the parable of the faithful and wise manager, who is tasked with caring for his master’s household until his return. The manager who is faithful and wise will be rewarded, while the one who is foolish and neglectful will be punished.
The key to understanding this parable is to recognize that the master’s return is not just a future event, but a present reality. Jesus is not just talking about his second coming, but about the way we live our lives every day.
The Danger of Spiritual Stupor
The foolish manager in the parable becomes complacent and neglectful, thinking that his master’s return is far off. He begins to abuse his position and indulge in sinful behavior, becoming spiritually drunk and blind to the reality of his situation.
This is a warning to us all. When we become spiritually complacent, we risk falling into a state of stupor, where we are unaware of the dangers and opportunities around us. We become blind to the signs of the times and deaf to the voice of God.
The Importance of Spiritual Wakefulness
In contrast, the faithful and wise manager is always on the lookout for his master’s return. He is vigilant and alert, eager to serve and please his master.
This is the attitude we should have as Christians. We should be living in a state of spiritual wakefulness, always aware of the presence of God and the reality of our situation. We should be eager to serve and please him, and to live our lives in a way that honors him.
Loving the Lord’s Appearing
In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul writes, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Loving the Lord’s appearing is not just about looking forward to his second coming, but about living our lives in a way that honors him every day. It is about being spiritually awake and alert, eager to serve and please him.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to be spiritually awake and alert, eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This means living our lives in a way that honors him every day, being vigilant and alert to the dangers and opportunities around us. It means loving the Lord’s appearing, not just as a future event, but as a present reality.
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