A Call To Be Alert
A CALL TO BE ALERT
LUKE 12:35-48
Jesus seems to be saying, “The most important thing is to be a faithful, sensible, alert and active manager of what’s already been given you.”
The doctrine of the Lord’s return haunts Scripture. Note how frequent reference to it is in both the teaching of Christ and that of his apostles. It was once called the “blessed hope,” but has not today as prominent a place in the teaching of the church as once it had. At the human level, the reasons for this are two. The Second Advent has so frequently been central in the teaching of sectaries extravagant in their interpretation, given to date-fixing and crudity, that those jealous for the integrity of Scripture, anxious for the good name of the church and the effectiveness of evangelism among intelligent people, have grown suspicious of the doctrine. The second reason is the comfort of an affluent society. The church tends to be “at ease in Zion.” The sting of trouble and anxiety, chaotic times which reveal the instability of the social order and the fragility of civilization, turn the minds of men towards the intervention from above which alone could end all strife and bring the warring world to peace.
The doctrine of the Second Advent is nevertheless an integral part of the New Testament. No time is specified. The manner of the advent is not clear. The fact remains.
Nor is this ever stated merely as a theme for speculation. Rather, as here, it is a matter which prompts zeal, and calls for urgency and dedication. Like servants alert for the return home of their master, so the followers of Christ must be ready for their Lord’s coming. The best preparation for the consummation of all things, for the secret hour which shall end the long tumult of history, is to be busy with the task at hand. Compare 1 Corinthians 4:19ff.; James 4:17; 2 Peter 2:21.
Notes It is important to consider why the teaching about Christ’s return occurs at this point in the Gospel, and how it arises out of the preceding verses. 12:37: “gird himself”—see John 13:3f. 12:41f.: note how Christ frequently answers one question by posing another. Much here is applicable to leaders in the church. 12:45: cf. 2 Peter 3:8f. 12:47-48: an incidental remark indicates variety in punishment. “Knew not” means partial enlightenment, not total ignorance.