Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

PARTY! TO CELEBRATE!

DEVOTION
It’s a phenomenal thought really: that after a lifetime of ‘being dressed for action’ we will find Jesus pulling out a chair for us, bidding us to sit and rest, while he comes to serve us. The thought of being able to unlace our work boots and slide into some comfy slippers for eternity is a lovely thought indeed. After all, we do get tired, don’t we?

We have been the recipients of much grace; we have been entrusted with the gospel. Much is required; even more is demanded of us. So we keep our lamps lit, and we watch and wait and we expect his coming. It is said, ‘blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.’ Blessed are we when we keep at it, day after day, year after year, not giving up on hope or on him. And even more blessed is our master when he arrives. But notice this: what is coming is not a thief in the night; it is a party in the morning, a party where we who aspire to be servants of the Lord will be served, treated as guests of honor. And our Lord really is a remarkable host! He invites us to regular pre-party parties! For each time we come to his table, he recognizes our weariness, and again and again he sits us down, and he comes and serves us, saying, ‘This is my body, broken for you. This is my blood, shed for you.’

And then he sends us out into the world with lamps ablaze and hearts on fire to keep on watching and waiting and loving the kingdom that is the Father’s good pleasure to give us.

FOR REFLECTION
What are you most hoping for when Christ re-appears on earth?
Are there other servants in the kingdom with whom you stay awake and keep your lamp lit?
How do you encourage one another?
Are you tired of doing kingdom work? Give your fatigue to God (Read Mathew 11:28-30).

PRAYER
Lord, thank you that you prepare a table for us in your presence. Anoint and empower us to serve you and others until that great day when our work is done, and your work is completed. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.