01/13/2026
The Heart of Readiness:
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:40.
This verse is usually feared by both believers and unbelievers. But here is blessed hope.
The context of Luke 12 finds Jesus teaching His disciples about the priorities of God’s kingdom. He has just told the parable of the rich fool who stored up earthly treasures but was not “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Then, He shifts to exhort His followers to live free from anxiety, trusting in the Father’s care, and to be spiritually alert.
Luke 12:35-40 paints a picture of servants who are dressed for action, with lamps burning, waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast. Their blessedness lies in their master finding them ready when He arrives, even if it is in the “middle of the night” (v. 38). Verse 40 then delivers the core principle: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Readiness, therefore, is not about calculating a date. It's about cultivating a consistent character, relationship, and faithful stewardship that pleases the Master whether He returns today or in a century. It's the opposite of the panic of someone caught unprepared; it's the calm, joyful vigilance of a loved one awaiting a long-anticipated reunion. The surprise of the hour tests the authenticity of our waiting. Let this be our prayer. Even so come Lord Jesus come!
Action: Identify one area of your life (e.g., a relationship, a habit, a use of time or money) where you are living for the “here and now”rather than in light of eternity. What is one small, concrete step you can take this week to align it with a posture of readiness?
Prayer: “Lord, help me to live not in fear of Your unexpected coming, but in hopeful anticipation of it. Make my heart and my daily life a place where You would be pleased to arrive at any moment. Thank you Jesus. Amen.”
