Luke 12:35-36 “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. Be like people waiting for their master to return…”
The heading in many Bibles for Luke 12:35-46, reads: “The Faithful Servant.” This text is also a warning against being unfaithful. “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” This means we should not be lazy, idle, and unprepared for His return. Yet, the greater admonition in the text is to act like servants.
“Who then is the faithful and wise manager whom the master puts in charge of his household servants, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? But if the servant says my master is delayed, and begins to mistreat the others, his master will return unexpectedly and cut him in two.” (vs 42,45&46)
It isn’t merely action that Jesus is expecting, but acts of doing His business, motivated by His love, and under His authority. The Master will reward those who are faithfully fulfilling His desires, but He will severely punish those who merely act as though they are the boss.
Unfortunately, we live in an age of self-important, self-serving leaders – even in ‘ministries.’ Our Master wants us to be focused on His kingdom, His glory, and His will. It isn’t charisma or big strategies that are needed, rather simple, powerful faithfulness that builds and advances His kingdom. We must faithfully seek His will, ask for His strength and wisdom, and do what He asks, simply without recognition or praise. He is returning … be faithful.