|
Morning Devotion for the Season after Pentecost
October 17, 2026
Reading: Luke 12:35-38
‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
.
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
What comes to mind when engaging in preparation? There are several steps, the process, or state of getting ready in advance to ensure an event, task, or goal succeeds. Rather than just making a plan (knowing what to do), preparation involves taking the discreet and determined steps required to follow through and perform effectively. There probably is a bit more, qualitatively speaking in what Jesus expects. Jesus is fully intent upon giving his disciples courage and conviction that will uphold them in their own undertaking, rooted in the claim that God’s faithfulness extends to the whole of God’s creation. This is no small undertaking on the disciples’ part, and yet one that, with God’s help, the disciples are able to accept.
What Jesus presents concerning the kingdom of God is rooted in attention to and care for all that God has created and, in tracing Jesus’ genealogy, points to God’s continual creative activity. This activity extends broadly to include surprising individuals and communities. The activity points to a world that exceeds our imaginations. Jesus consoles his disciples not to fear for here are the promises of God’s kingdom. I should imagine that there would be great anticipation, wondering and a fair amount of doubt and anxiety.
One can almost feel the assuredness of God’s favor that Jesus reveals, lives, dies for and for which he is raised and to which he ascends. Only after this promise can one imagine any concept of what lies ahead for us in the form of our gifts. As a human being, one is most likely to place one’s hope in achievements, acquisitions, and assets. Yet, when one is fearless, and those desires that otherwise would be driven by fear present themselves,. one might yet dare to imagine treasures above and beyond one’s own determination, success and security. One human alone is part of something much larger, grander and beyond an individual’s ability to bring into existence. This is a world way beyond our own imagining.
Jesus consoles the disciples and encourages them not to fear because of the promise of God’s kingdom. What arises from this vision is the certainty of God’s favor, that Jesus reveals, lives,, for which he died, was raised and ascended. Now, take all that into account and imagine for yourselves, as the disciples must have, what your treasure might be. As humans we might place our hope in worldly treasures of self-determination, success and security.
How surprised we might be then to encounter Jesus’ activity in our world when we least expect it or imagine it to be. Knowing that God is the source of our treasure makes it possible to be prepared for and true participant in what God offers in his gracious and generous love.
Prayer for Guidance
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
| 
