3/11 Luke 12:37

³⁷ "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them."

In this parable, the master of the house goes away to attend a wedding feast. In Israel that could mean seven days of celebration. The final day may run late into the night. The following verses suggest the master might return as late as three in the morning. During this time while the master is away, the servants have only a few responsibilities, but while performing them they must watch for their master's return.

This is one of a number of parables in which Jesus explained that He would be away for an extended period of time. We can be lazy and take advantage of His absence, or we can be diligent and watch for His return. The later the return, the more difficult it is for the servants to keep watch for Him. The ones He discovers watching will find that He has them recline at table and He will come and serve them.

This is an incredibly generous scenario. The Lord of all Creation will serve His faithful servants. But that is exactly what Jesus did on the shore of Galilee after His resurrection (John 21:13). That is what He will do when He comes to bring us home. The only difference between this parable and His appearing is that instead of leaving to go to a wedding feast, He returns to host a wedding feast. The Groom will be serving the bride.

Our period of service here may seem long and tedious at times. It may seem like the Master has delayed His return. But He will come, and blessed are those servants the Master finds awake when He comes!

Remember: Don't be lulled to sleep by the pleasures of this life and deceitfulness of riches. Stay alert and active in service. Keep watching for our Master's return with joyful anticipation.