“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning..., it will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes" (Luke 12:35, 37).
O holy God, consuming fire, thank You that we can come to You by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, Your Son. Thank You that "out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given" (John 1:16). Teach us to approach You by faith, and to worship You acceptably with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28).
You have instructed us, Lord, "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13 - KJV). Help us to be faithful servants, using our talents diligently, wisely, and urgently, mindful of how fleeting [our] life is (Psalm 39:4).
You have instructed us to be dressed, ready for service. Clothe us with Your divine power from on high (Luke 24:49). Help us to purposefully "clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). Let these attributes be evident in our homes, our workplaces, our places of business, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces.
You have instructed us to have our lamps trimmed and burning. Fill us with the oil of Your Spirit till we overflow with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Fill us with the oil of joy, the light of truth, the radiance of Your glory. Stir in us a passion for righteousness, and a zeal for Your honor (Numbers 25:11, 13). Let our cups run over into service, and sacrifice, and surrender.
Turn our gaze heavenward. Help us to carry out the tasks entrusted to us—prepared and watching—confidently longing for the appearing of the Lord, the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8). Help us to work fearlessly and tirelessly as Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), ministering love to those around us, and praying always in our hearts, "Even so, come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
When Jesus comes to reward His servants, Whether it be noon or night, Faithful to Him will He find us watching, With our lamps all trimmed and bright?
Refrain: Oh, can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul’s bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?
If, at the dawn of the early morning, He shall call us one by one, When to the Lord we restore our talents, Will He answer thee, “Well done”?
Have we been true to the trust He left us? Do we seek to do our best? If in our hearts there is naught condemns us, We shall have a glorious rest.
Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching, In His glory they shall share; If He shall come at the dawn or midnight, Will He find us watching there?
~ Frances J. Crosby ~ 1876
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