Faithful Readiness

“Be dressed ready for service and 

keep your lamps burning.” 

Luke 12:35

Scripture Reading - Luke 12:35–48

Jesus’ words call us to an alert and devoted life—a posture of readiness not rooted in fear, but in love and faithfulness. As servants waiting for the Master’s return, we are called to live in such a way that we could meet Him at any moment, with nothing to hide and everything surrendered. Lent sharpens our attention to both: the eternal and the immediate.

William Barclay reminds us that this readiness is “not a passive waiting, but an active service.” For Barclay, true faith is expressed in action—a daily life of love, obedience, and care for others. To be ready, then, is not merely to believe, but to be constantly doing the work of the kingdom: forgiving, encouraging, and serving.

Alexander Maclaren writes, “The watchful servant is the blessed servant.” He emphasizes that Jesus’ words are not only a warning but a promise. The astounding grace of the passage is that when the Master returns and finds His servants ready, “he will gird himself and serve them” (v. 37). Maclaren calls this “a picture of the unimaginable condescension and love of Christ.”

Yet Jesus also speaks of judgment for those who forget the Master’s return and live selfishly. “To whom much is given, much will be required” (v. 48). Our calling is great—but so is the grace that sustains it.

Reflection:

Lent invites us to renew our posture of readiness—not from pressure, but from love. How can you serve Christ today, faithfully and quietly, with your lamp burning?

Prayer:

Lord, awaken my heart. Teach me to live with holy expectation. Make me a faithful servant, active in love, ready in hope, and grounded in Your grace. Amen.