The words haunted my soul in a deep-down, glorious way. Who shall abide the day of his coming? As I listened to this particular aria from Handel’s Messiah, the operatic refrain echoed through my mind and heart. I suddenly wondered, as I folded laundry, if I was ready for the Lord’s coming? If he sundered the sky right now with otherworldly light, would I be overjoyed? Frightened? Heavy-hearted or grieved at all about how I have spent my time?
The words of Luke sprang into my epochal thoughts: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” I think of an Old Testament Israelite priest dressed in fine linen and bearing the costly stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel on his breastplate, continually interceding for the people, bearing up the ones whom he wore over his heart. He dressed for service. He also had to keep the lamp in the Tent of Meeting always burning. The sign of God’s presence in the fire would never be distinguished as long as the priest fulfilled his service.
Eschatology has a time and place, but the simple command of the Lord tugs more persuasively at my heart. As an ambassador of Christ, how am I serving the Lord and his people? Is my lamp ever-burning for Jesus? Are my words a sign that his Presence indwells me? Are my actions proof?
I think those who shall abide his coming are the ones who remain faithful to the end, dressed for service, ready for action, watchful, hearts aflame.
When we get up in the morning, even as we dress for the day, let us dress ourselves for service, ready for whatever God might have us do.
Lord God, may we who proclaim your name keep our lamps burning, that we may be ready for your coming. In the name of Jesus, amen.
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