Am I Dressed Right?
Chapter 40
Luke 12:35-48


Have you ever went to an event underdressed, or overdressed, it is uncomfortable isn't it? I spoke in Haiti at a church a few years ago and because I didn't have a tie on I wasn't received well. People are real funny sometimes, they judge somebody before they even get to know them because of the perception they have by one's outward appearance. 

Here in Luke 12:35 "Jesus says be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning",meaning be ready for the hour is not known but His return is near.  

So what does it mean to be ready?  Well in verse 37 it says to be ready and waiting.  Have you ever been waiting with a group of people and someone's number is called out and nobody responds so they go to the next number?  I hate waiting when I have other things that need to get done, patience is truly a virtue.  The one whom is impatient get's passed by.  So to be one who waits is to be one who is patient.  

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

So to be one who waits does not mean to be one who sits around but it is one who does not get distracted who maintains there focus on the work of the Lord.  

The restaurant job of a waiter is to serve others.  They are to be observant of their customers needs and try to meet them in a quickly manner.  I remember as a waiter at a seasonal restaurant, the summer was crazy, I hardly had time off, I had to work double shifts and I was on call, it's like my waiter outfit always stayed on, my life was my job, even my dreams were filled with my work, I couldn't get the job out off my mind.  

Similar is my call now as God's waiter, but my shift of service never ends and I must be clothed in His righteousness at all times.  My life is now lived not for myself but for the glory of my Heavenly Father.  His will is what fills my mind and my dreams.

Jesus is returning in bodily form but He is still presently at work through the Holy Spirit.  We who allow the Holy Spirit to use us daily will be rewarded, just like those who serve a table well receive a good tip.  There are eternal rewards and earthly rewards that come to His obedient servants.

Luke 12:28 Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.” 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God,

30 will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”

As a waiter when the work was hard, the hours long, I just reminded myself of the paycheck that was to come, and I endured.  We must keep our eyes on the eternal prize as we endure the hardships of our temporary struggles.  Those who overcome will be greatly rewarded as it promises in Revelations chapter 3.

We would have hours with very few customers and we could take it easy and relax a bit, but we knew at anytime a rush of people might come and we had to be ready.  We also knew the manager or owner might come by and if we weren't preparing stocking up on things, cleaning up, etc. for when things do get busy, we were in trouble.  There are different seasons in our spiritual walk, some will be easier than others, but we must always have a heart of expectancy, preparing for what is to come, knowing God is omnipresent and is always checking on us, examining our hearts and checking our motives.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

In Luke 12:42 The Lord admonishes us to be faithful, sensible servants whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his household servants and feeding them.  A good parent tests their children on what they can handle before giving them responsibilities.  As we past the tests of life God rewards us with bigger opportunities.  Just like I moved up from dishwasher, to busboy, to waiter, so God promotes those who are faithful over what has been given them.  He wants us to reach the furthest of our potential in Him.  

Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Luke 12:45-48 warns those of us who neglect His service, who are not ready, that when He returns unannounced and unexpected, He will basically fire us.  For we took lightly His instructions and our excuses will not be heard, severe punishment will follow.  For "someone who has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.