Luke 12:35-38 & 40 (Matt. 24:45- 51) “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat (dinner), and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
We know language changes with time and along with it so do the expressions. I believe that Christ’s intent is understood but let’s examine some of the expressions. “Let your loins be girded about.” Men wore long cloaks. There were no pants. A cloak in our mind is more like a garment of warmth, but I am referring to an overgrown shirt that covered down to the shins. With such a long garment moving fast or doing any kind of serious work would be difficult. To remedy this the garment would be tucked into a belt (Loins girded). This granted the legs greater freedom of movement. The expression then “let your loins (thighs) be girded” came to mean to be prepared for action. Be it physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.”
Next expression “your lights burning.” This relates more so to us in that electricity is rather new to man. Prior to electricity oil lamps were used. The trimming of the wick to make the lamp burn brighter was common practice. They also needed to be replenished with oil as it was consumed in producing the light. Another parable similar to this one Jesus told about the five wise virgins and the five foolish ones. Both were waiting for the groom to come. The five wise brought extra oil and the five foolish did not. The foolish asked from the wise for some oil but the wise said no, “but rather go to the merchants and buy for yourselves.” Within the time they were gone the groom returned and because they were not present they were not welcomed in. Again the emphasis of this parable was to live a readied and watchful life for Christ (the groom) to return.
Next verse “And ye yourselves (be) like unto men that wait for their lord… that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately.” Eutheros is the Greek word for immediately and it’s definition along with its synonyms means instantly, immediately (as rendered), straight way, that very instant etc.” To have a heart so trained that the very voice of The Lord causes a response in us. That we hear his voice above all the other voices that rival for our attention. It is very interesting to watch mothers on a playground chatting with other mothers. With all the noise on the playground, yet if their child calls them or cries instantly mom responds. She is trained to her child’s voice and responds to their cry. Her love for her child causes her to be so attentive.
Our affections for the Lord should be so well trained! “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” This is the end goal of the Holy Spirit – to have sons and daughters that have found their joy in serving their Lord and Father. Such a priceless reward awaits those who submit to the training. The process of bringing forth purified faith. As gold made molten from the fire releases the dross, so the hardships of life release our desire to build our security here (sand castles) and transfer our security fully over to The Lord.
For our following Vidas I want to talk about these “other voices” that rival for our attention, how to deal with them and how the armor of the Holy Spirit is to be used (Ephesians 6).
Father God,
How much You value purified faith. For once we have it we can enjoy You, and join You in your work. Seeing You exalted is our greatest joy. Mixed faith still has too much of self and still too concerned with the affairs of this life. Free us and help us to understand that truly the only thing we can keep is You. You are more than enough. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur