As it was in the beginning and ever shall be
And now, O Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7
Read Luke 12:35—40
I think I get it that I am to be ready. Jesus said it often enough. There’s an urgency and a priority to all this about both following him and expecting him. Nothing is ever more urgent. It never has been. The most extreme test case is not more urgent than following Jesus.[1] No affection is prior to this affection.[2] That point has always been clear. Not that I can be content that I know how. I only know the demands of following when I’m in the situation that demands it. But I can see that waiting for the Lord’s coming at the last is the same call on me as following him at the first. As it was at the beginning so it will ever be. As I was at the first, let me be at the last. And the wonder is — it must be so — that as Jesus was at the first, so he will be at the last. Won’t he? If he put aside his robe and washed his disciples’ feet before his death,[3] now he, I would almost say, threatens me that he will do the same in the resurrection. Jesus, serving me!
Jesus, my Lord and my God, you are now the reigning Lord over all things. By your baptism you entered and claimed the life of sinful humanity as your own. By your death you took my sin and the sin of the world to its conclusion. By your ascension you restored us to the Father. At your coming you will renew all things and you will be serving me and all your own. You will fasten your belt and sit us at table and serve us! You will glorify us. It will be as though you are worshipping me! But, I believe, I will accept your service gladly because I will be all your own work. It will all be to your glory.
[1] Luke 9:59—60
[2] Lule 9:61—62
[3] John 13:1—10