Burning with Anticipation

Luke 12: 35-48

In this passage, Jesus tells two parables, both of which illustrate the importance of being prepared for his coming.  The part of the passage that struck me the most was this:  "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded."  In other words, those who are in the positions to lead and guide others on their spiritual journeys need to be the most ready and prepared.  They will be held more accountable than someone who is ignorant of the faith.  In the back of my mind, I always thought that was true.  If you are going to do the talking, then you better be doing the walking.  And I try to live that way.  However, it is HARD.  Life really gets in the way.  It is a tall order not only to teach about the Christian way of life, but also to live that life.  The more I learn, the more I realize how much I need to change.  It can be discouraging.  It is kind of like Jesus slowly revealing my reflection in the mirror.  Which kind of brings the whole experience to a different place because the more hideous I realize my reflection is, the more I learn about the unconditional and divine love of God.  Not only does he love my hideous self, he thinks I am to die for.  How awesome is that?

So, those of us who do teach about the love, awe and wonder of God need to be the most prepared.  We need to be more prepared than we think.  We need to be willing to look in that mirror and see our sinful, hideous reflections and work to make ourselves better.  Because we don't want to meet our bridegroom wearing all that sin.  It is time to purge.  It is time to take off the pride, envy, lust, and selfish desires and ask Jesus to clean our souls.  It is time to walk the talk.  It is time to live each day as if it were our last.  And we must not be fearful of that last day, but rather joyful.  Because, on that day, all our desires will be met in the person of Christ.  If we are prepared for that day, we will have taken off all of our sin so that we can put on the white robe that he washed in his blood and then take us to meet his Mother and Father.

Lord, show me who I really am.  Reveal to me how I need to change so that you may be glorified in me. My life is yours.  I live for you.  Show me how to really live.