Sermon Delivered September 18th, 2011 Pastor Eric Ellis
Luke 12:35-48
Another worthy question is this one, “What would you not want to be doing when the Lord returns?” Maybe having a selfish, sinful dispute with your spouse would be something you would want to avoid? Perhaps using work time and resources for your own benefit, such as taking light-bulbs for your home or sending personal emails or texts on company time, would be something you wouldn't want to be doing when the Lord returns? Perhaps living in rank disobedience to parents or other authorities would be something to avoid? Cheating on tests, lying to the IRS about income levels, committing adultery, etc.,...all of these things are worthy of avoidance when the Lord returns.
Regardless of how you answer these two questions, both of them are worthy of our contemplation and thought. My fear for myself and for you is that, too often, we don't live in light of the Lord's immediate return. We don't think upon and contemplate the fact that Jesus clearly stated numerous times, along with the other writers of the New Testament, that He would be returning soon. In the two-hundred and sixty chapters in the New Testament, Christ's Second Coming is mentioned three-hundred and eighteen times. That means that one in every twenty-five verses of the New Testament mentions the Lord's return. Of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, only Galatians and Second and Third John have nothing to say about the Lord's return. Based on these facts, we would do well to be thinking deeply about this event.
Not only is the Second Coming a major theme of the New Testament, evangelical Christianity has emphasized this event throughout its history. Arnold T. Olson makes the following observation, “Ever since the first days of the Christian church, evangelicals have been 'looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.' They many have disagreed as to its timing and to the events on the eschatology calendar. They may have differed as to a pre-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture – the pre- and post- or non-millennial coming. They may have been divided as to a literal rebirth of Israel. However, all are agreed that the final solution to the problems of this world is in the hands of the King of kings who will someday make the kingdoms of this world his very own.” (Quoted in R. Kent Hughes, Luke: Vol. 2, Crossway 1998, p. 59).
In the passage before us this morning, we have Luke's first in-depth recording of the Lord Jesus' words regarding His return. And in these words, the overall point of the Savior is to be “dressed in readiness” for this sure event. This phrase is the way that the NASB has rendered verse 35 of Luke 12 and, I think, best conveys the attitude that is to mark us as we think about how God would have us live. The Lord, of course, elaborates in-depth upon this statement through the remainder of the passage. In the context before us the Lord has just confronted sinful attitudes of covetousness and worry. By next dealing with His Second Coming, the Lord is directing us to the fact that a clear means of not getting sinfully caught in things of this world is to dwell upon and prepare for His return. Last week, Forrest and I gathered with the saints at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. for worship and the pastor, Mark Dever, while delivering a message from Second Thessalonians, stated that if we are not living with an eye to the future return of Christ, then the only recourse is despair and selfishness. Of course, one may fool himself with certain false ideas of happiness and meaning, and may do so for a lifetime. But, if we are honest with ourselves, if God doesn't exist, isn't involved in the affairs of this world, and there is no hope for final justice, then this life is absolutely banal and meaningless. Let the terrorists fly the planes into the towers all they want because it really just doesn't matter.
But in the text before us, Jesus proclaims with clarity that He is does exist, He is involved and will set things right in the end. And, again, this is the testimony of the entire New Testament. Thus, let us take in the Word of the Lord regarding His return and let us prepare ourselves accordingly. Follow along as I read Luke 12:35-48...
“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
From this text, let us learn...
Because Jesus is coming back to establish His kingdom, reward His children and punish wickedness and unbelief, we should live each moment in joyful yet sober watchfulness for His return.
Two Essential Ways to Watch for the Lord's Return:
1. Joyful Watchfulness
First of all, if we would be found ready for the Lord's return, then we will be marked by a joyful watchfulness. Jesus introduces this subject with three very easily understood word pictures. The first one He gives deals with being properly dressed. Now again, this is a picture not to be taken literally. We don't have to be people who dress in a particular way. But rather, the word picture puts forth an attitude and an anticipation. In the days of Christ and for the few centuries previous, the primary dress was made up of full leg length robes. If you see pictures or videos of the cultures of the Middle East, this still is the rather common form of dress, especially in the more rural or agricultural areas. And, as in our day, we don't see a woman wearing a floor-length dress running down the road. Moving quickly or with agility in such dress was difficult. Thus, when a man knew that a given task was upon him that required quick movement, he would take the long parts of his robe and pull them up and secure the loose ends in his waist belt so that his legs would be unhindered. Thus, Jesus says, “Let your waist be girded.” Again, He wasn't demanding that His disciples arrange their clothes this way all the time, but rather that they have a mentality of readiness for the Lord's return. As stated in the introduction, the NASB renders this passage “Be dressed in readiness” and I think this captures the meaning very well. “Readiness” is not a particular style of clothing, but a mindset and attitude. And the attitude is that the Lord may return at any moment and one needs to be ready. Interestingly, the verb “Let” here is a derivative of the word for “I am”. That, again, would indicate that “readiness” for the Lord's return is simply to be a characteristic that marks our lives.
The second picture that the Lord gives is the picture of a burning, well-trimmed lamp. In our modern age, we struggle with grasping this picture. In the days of the Lord, to trim a lamp would be to make sure that enough wick was extended to give off maximum light. Too much or too little wick would hinder sight. For those of you who remember the Coleman gas-burning lamps of a couple of decades ago, you can sort of get the picture here. In order for those lamps to burn really bright, you would have to make sure the right amount of air pressure was present. But the picture is clear. Jesus is stating that readiness will be marked by keeping your lamp burning brightly. Scholars think that perhaps the Lord is indicating mental readiness here in this picture whereas the “dressed in readiness” picture in the first part of the verse indicates lifestyle or moral readiness. But regardless, an attitude and lifestyle of readiness is to mark the life of the believer.
The third picture is the picture of joyful waiting for a master to return from his wedding. In the day of Christ, wedding celebrations lasted several days and then the husband would bring his new wife to his home to begin their life together. He would want his home to be beautiful and ready for his and his bride's arrival. The servants were to have their best clothes on and, continuing with the illustration, the house was to be well lit and presentable. Those of you who are into the cinematic renditions of books such as Pride and Prejudice will recall seeing the servants lined up outside the mansions as the estate owner returns from a trip. This approximates what is being stated here by the Lord.
But beyond the basic readiness, there is an attitude that is to be developed by the servant. Several months ago, Eric Laudenslager asked Forrest and I together if we would be groomsmen in his wedding. At the time, both Forrest and I expressed our joy at his asking and how much it would be an honor to stand with him at his marriage to Kelly. And, a week ago Saturday, Forrest and I, along with Josh Destree, had the great joy of standing with Eric as he and Kelly proclaimed there deep love and commitment to each other. Jeremiah was there along with Rachel Destree and they, too, got to share in that joy. I know that this is a common sentiment, but there really isn't anything too much better than a Christ-centered wedding. And when the persons getting married are near and dear to your heart and you love them deeply and you know that they are pursing God's perfect plan for them, that adds to the joy and celebration tremendously. This is the emotion and joy that Jesus is expressing here to his listeners. It isn't simply that the slave is doing his master's bidding, but that he loves his master's bidding and is overjoyed to see his master and to see his master blessed.
So for this type of love and devotion and readiness, Jesus declares that it will be met with certain rewards. Note in verse 37 that the Lord Jesus Himself will gird himself up and serve such devoted slaves. That is an astounding promise from the Lord. The King of kings himself will place a feast before his children and serve them. Hasn't Jesus served us enough? Hasn't Jesus given of Himself sufficiently and fully for us? And yet for those servants who love Him and long for His appearing, He says He will serve them.
He also will give them great and glorious responsibility. Again, these are word pictures here that are hard to understand how they will be fulfilled literally. But note in verse 43 that the faithful and wise steward is made ruler over the entire household. In verse 44, he is made ruler over all the master has. To what are these pictures pointing? It is hard to know. But one thing is certain...heaven will be a place of glorious work and responsibility of which Jesus' disciples will find great joy and satisfaction. But the satisfaction won't be in the work itself, per se, but rather that the work brings glory to God and Christ.
So, with joyful watchfulness, we are to actively ready for the Lord's return. This joyful watchfulness is to be marked by active service and continual preparation. Perhaps one more somewhat offensive illustration will help bring this point home. Paige has told me that somehow, someway, our dog, Moses, knows when I am coming home. I've heard that this is not necessarily an uncommon ability with dogs. Thus, several minutes before I am even in the neighborhood, Moses will sit by the door or begin looking out the window with ears attentive and tail wagging. And when I arrive, he becomes a 90-pound kitten, all-wiggles and wanting me to pick him up cuttle with him. He is very glad to see me, which is really pretty amazing because as much as I like the dog, he is not reason I come home. Spurgeon made this comment about the joy of dogs seeing their master, “Oh, if we loved our Lord as dogs love their masters, how we should catch the first sound of his Coming, and be waiting, always waiting, and never happy until at last we should see him! Pardon me for using a dog as a picture of what you ought to be; but when you have attained to a state above that, I will find another illustration to explain my meaning.” (12 Sermons on the Second Coming of Christ, Baker 1994, p. 141).
Beloved, although Moses is not the reason I come home each night, if you are a Christian here today, you are the reason that Christ came the first time and you continue to be a reason that He will come back. Jesus loves us, His Church...His bride, and He longs to see us and to establish His Kingdom here. And He will do it and do it with joy. Thus, we should be marked by joyful watchfulness as we look for His return.
2. Sober Watchfulness
Not only should our watchfulness be marked by joy, it also needs to be marked by sobriety. This emphasis of the Lord first shows up in verse 39 where He states that His coming will be like that of a thief. As has been observed before, the Lord is not trying to confuse us with words and pictures. His statement here is very clear. If someone happens to hear that a thief is going to break into their home at 2:30 in the morning, he will prepare himself to defend his home. In our day, we would call the police and have them park a patrol car in our driveway. In that day, the man and other adult family members would be waiting with clubs and swords. But the key phrase here is “...if the master of the house had known...” Generally, a thief isn't going to allow it to be known at what time he plans on breaking in. Theives don't do that. Thus, the home owner is to take necessary precautions to protect his belongings at all times. And most all of us do this in some way or another. This is the message of the Lord regarding His return. As you don't know the hour that a thief will attempt to break in and, thus, you are prepared for it at all times, including the middle of the night. So be prepared for the Lord's return. Again, this is not profound.
The theme of the Lord's return being like that of a thief in the night is a common theme in the New Testament. Please take note of the following passages:
· 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
· Revelation 3:3, the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
· Revelation 16:15, the words of Jesus again, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
Perhaps most telling is the passage found in 2 Peter 3:1-13. This passage describes well the attitude of many in our culture today toward the Lord's return. Please take a look at this passage:
Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Please note well the patience of the Lord and the promise of the Lord. Jesus hasn't returned yet because not all of His children have come to repentance. But then He will come and He will judge.
What happens when people don't have an eye to His return is indicated in verse 45 of our passage in Luke. The one who does this neglects his responsibility. He begins to beat and abuse those under his charge. In verse 41, Peter asks the Lord if his teaching concerns all men or just the disciples. In speaking the words in verses 42-48, Jesus clearly declares that this message of warning about His return applies to all men.
He first deals with those who should know His Word and therefore know Him best. In context, He is dealing with the religious leaders and, by extention, pastors and elders in churches. These men are given charge over Christ's flock and are to shepherd and lead it well. Again, this is a warning to the Pharisees of that day but applies to all leaders of God's people in all time. In verses 42-43, Jesus commends the servant-leader who takes good care of Christ's household. But in verse 46, he warns that the servant-leader who abuses his charge will be severly judged. In fact, by saying that this person will have his portion with the unbelievers, Jesus is clearly stating that the leader who isn't mindful of His return and lives a sinful life and abuses others doesn't know Jesus and isn't saved. The severest judgment awaits those who supposedly are under-shepherds of Christ and abuse that position and calling.
But in verse 47, Christ extends out the warning to all who would claim to know Him. In verse 42, the servant there is called “steward”. The steward is one who is given charge over the house. In verse 47, the one there is simply listed as a servant. This one isn't in charge of others, but has a task to perform from the master. But, as with the steward, he knows what is to be done but doesn't do it. Severe judgment awaits him also.
Lastly, in verse 48, there is the man who doesn't know the master at all. He will be judged for his sin even though he didn't know the Lord. Some might question the justice of this, but if you are thinking correctly, you know that every man sins and does things worthy of condemnation. The Word makes this very clear in Romans 3:23, “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,...” And we find that “...the wages of sin is death...” in Romans 6:23. If I had died before I was saved by Christ or had even heard of Him, I would be in Hell and rightfully so, and so would every single one of you. There is no injustice with God. He will deal with each person exactly the way they should be dealt.
In the last part of verse 48, the Lord Jesus makes a proverbial statement that we all need to take to heart, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” This very clearly indicates that at the end of life or at the Lord's return, there will be differing levels of condemnation for those who have greater or lesser understanding of the Lord's will and Word. I suppose we could spend a lot of time trying to figure out who is who in verses 45-48. But the point is this...those who don't know the Lord and don't live in light of His Word will be rightfully judged according to their deeds. Consider the following passages...
· Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,...”
· Matthew 12:36-37, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
· Jude 14-15, ...“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
Dear friends, regardless of the various levels of judgment declared by the Lord in Luke 12 here, one thing is abundantly clear. You don't want to be judged by the Lord. You don't want to stand before the Lord on the day of judgment with your unrighteousness and sin. You want to be found in Christ and with His righteousness. Paul describes well how we need to be found in Philippians 3:8-9 where he says, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;...” Friends, we want to be found with the righteousness of Christ which by faith. We want to be found in verse 42 of this passage in Luke...we want to be that faithful and wise steward...who loves His master and longs for His return.
By being here today, dear friends, you have heard the call of the Lord to live in sober watchfulness concerning His return. You have already been given much, so to speak. Take it seriously and live in light of His return. And live in joyful watchfulness for His return.
In conclusion, how does one watch joyfully for the Lord's return? The answer is quite straight-forward. First of all, you must be born again...you must be a Christian. You must be one who has recognized the holiness and perfection of God and how far you fall short of that perfection. You must also recognize God's right, as your Creator and Sustainer, to judge you and condemn you due to that sin. And then you must fly to the cross of Jesus in which God-incarnate bore in His body your sins and died for you. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, written by Paul, says this, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,...” What are we to do with this knowledge? Acts 16:31 makes it very clear, “...Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved...”
Upon this saving belief, a change will occur in you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that, “...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” By the grace of God, your attitudes and actions begin to change and God gives you a heart and mind and desire to serve Him. You will see Jesus as Lord of all and Lord of your life and you will lovingly begin to follow Him and obey Him. This is not to say that you will do it perfectly, but your heart and mind will desire to love God with everything you are and also love people. Please note that, in our passage today, the way that love for God is manifested is in serving people and blessing them. The wise and faithful steward who is joyfully looking to His return, takes care of God's household...he cares for people. He loves God and He loves people. If you are in Christ, you will be actively loving and serving the Lord.
And you will be one who loves the idea of the Lord's return. You will be one who longs for the day when you see your Savior face-to-face. Your hope and joy is not ultimately found here, but found there with Christ. Note Paul's final words in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” It is for such things that we live. Paul summarizes the entire work of the grace of God in Titus 2:11-14...
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Take note that God's grace saves us. Also note that God's grace instructs us in holy living. And it causes us to joyfully watch for the appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are truly born again, God's grace will be so working in your life. If you are not one who loves the grace of God and rejoices in the salvation of Christ, if you are not growing in love for God and serving Him, and if you are not looking joyfully toward that blessed hope of His glorious return, then you need to examine deeply who you are and how you should respond to God. You don't want to fall under God's perfect and just judgment. And why would you choose to when salvation and forgiveness is available to you in Christ? If you aren't sure of your salvation or you've never considered deeply the claims of God and Christ, please speak to a Christian or a leader in this church about what it means to know Him and follow Him.
Because Jesus is coming back to establish His kingdom, reward His children and punish wickedness and unbelief, we should live each moment in joyful yet sober watchfulness for His return.
Discussion Questions:
· What would be indications that a person is living in a state of readiness for the Lord's return?
· What are some possible consequences of a Christian not living in a state of readiness for the Lord's return?
· Take a look at Titus 2:11-14 and discuss the impact of grace in these verses. How does this impact your thinking about being in state of readiness?
· What are some areas of stewardship/responsibility that God has given to you? Are you satisfied with your stewardship in these areas?
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