Waiting Well: Keep your lamps lit

"Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. 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. 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. Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You, too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." (Luke 12: 35-40 NASB)

"Keep your lamps lit," Jesus told his disciples. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:22), He said, "The lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light." The word translated as "clear" is haplous, and refers to singleness of purpose. 

"Keep your lamps lit" implies that the fire can go out; our ardor can dim. How do we prevent this dimming of our light? We've studied this before. In Luke 11:33-35, the word used to describe lighting the lamp is hapto, which means "to fasten". In a way, the light of Christ, the flame of His love in us, should be attached to our hearts, stuck like glue. You can read more about this lamp of our body, fastening the fire, and serving faithfully every day by clicking on the links. 

In this passage, I believe Jesus is saying persevere in faith with singleness of purpose and devotion. Don't let your ardor for Him cool. Don't get distracted or race after the things of this world.

It's our responsibility to "tend the fire", to keep the flame burning. Bible study, prayer, worship and obedience to His Still, Small Voice all help to keep our fire burning. Is your flame flickering? Is it in danger of going out? Be still before our Lord. Open your Bible and stay there until you have fresh encouragement, fresh hope, fresh fire.

Do what it takes to keep your flame burning.

Be ready. 

The King is coming.

~~~~~~~

Our Father, forgive the flickering flame of our faith. Kindle in us the fire that only comes from closeness with You. Help us to shine our light in such a way that others are drawn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Considering the Lilies: Receiving the Kingdom of God

"Consider the lilies, how they grow... And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.                                       (Luke 12:27, 29-32 NASB)

Our post today is technically a part of the lily series because it's drawn from the passage, but it also joins the Kingdom of God series from several months ago. 

We began the lily series by considering the lily bulb. In case you missed any part of the series, you can click on the links to catch up. We've also considered lily propagation,  lily's disposition, true lilies and the importance of the name, the importance of planting the lily bulb deep in the ground, the different varieties of lilies,  living the lily life, and  seeking the kingdom. Yesterday, we looked at choosing freedom from fear, worry, and selfishness.

There's a good reason we don't have to be afraid. Our Heavenly Father has gladly chosen to give us the kingdom. The word translated as kingdom is basileia and indicates the territory or authority of a king. ThereIn are many uses for the kingdom of God, but I'm inclined to believe Jesus is referring not only to the kingdom of God at work in our hearts but to a literal kingdom of God to come when Jesus returns. His little flock of believers will reign with Him during this time. 

King Jesus is coming back and everyone will know that He is in charge.

We won't wonder. We won't doubt. Jesus will make all things clear.

Jesus spoke to people whose government had been taken over by a foreign power (Rome) and whose life was, in many ways, hard. Taxation wasn't fair and the government representatives could take as much of their income as they wanted. They worked hard to provide basic necessities for their families. Jesus, human himself, knew their struggle. 

He had a bit of advice (instruction, really) that would make their journey easier. It's one we should heed, as well. 
Take your eyes off the present difficulty and put them on the future joy to come. 
This life of struggle is not all you'll have. 
The hard times won't last forever.

In their uncertain times, the struggle was real. Their hope of the future was, too, and so is ours. We live in a world where right is called wrong and wrong is called right. Like Nineveh, people "don't know the difference between their right hand and their left". (Jonah 4:11) Christians are slaughtered for their faith. 

Evil is rampant and the reign of terror seems unstoppable. But it's not. One day, the skies will split, Jesus will appear, and the reign of evil and terror will come to an end..

We need to keep our eyes on the sky and our hearts fixed on the hope of our returning Lord because that hope makes all the difference.

Don't fear, dear ones, Jesus told us, I'm coming back and you will share with me in my new Kingdom. Keep your minds fixed on that truth.

I've written before about the kingdom of heaven. Rather than repeating those words, I'm including links to the posts. Click on the link and it will open in a new tab but save your spot here.

Thy Kingdom Come/Heaven-style Worship
The Kingdom of God in Us
The Keys to the Kingdom of God
Thy Kingdom Come, Entering the Kingdom 
Born into the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God to Come

There's a section from one of the posts listed above that I've read repeatedly this morning, and it's broken my heart all over again. I hope it touches your heart, too.

"If I lack the power of Peter, it is because I want the things of this world more than the power and authority, the knowledge and discipline that Jesus promised. I read those words, shudder at the truth of them, and recognize that it is truly pathetic. Why would I prefer comfort over the incredible delight of following Christ, even when it is hard, knowing that my eternal reward in heaven will be more than adequate recompense? This should not be."

Why would I prefer comfort over the incredible delight of following Christ? That's the question we all need to answer. One day, things will be different. For now, we must follow Him. No matter the cost.

~~~~~~~

Our Father who art in heaven, forgive my earthly ways. Help me to choose Your paths, Your righteousness, Your ways, no matter the cost. In Jesus name, Amen.