Jack-in-the-box Theology

We don't talk much about the return of Christ anymore in many of our churches.  Last night we had quite a discussion about Luke 12:35-49, which talks about our preparedness for the return of Christ.  Verse 35 states: "Be ready for the service and keep your lamps burning;"  Also verse 40: "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."

I was still thinking about these two verses after I went to bed last night.  It came to me that this is somewhat comparable to a jack-in-the-box experience.  A little child gets a new toy for birthday/Christmas.  It is the shape of a box - red in color - with a tiny crank-like feature protruding from the side.  He is told to turn the crank.  He does but nothing happens.  He's then encouraged to keep turning it and wait for something special to happen.

He turns and turns and turns, and just when he is about to give up - up pops Jack-in-the-box.  He giggles with delight.  Jack-in-the-box is pushed down into the box and he turns and turns the crank again.

This is a great illustration to help us understand the type of readiness and awareness that Jesus is talking about in this passage of Luke.  "The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."  We must have the same type of anticipation in our preparedness for the return of Christ.  To keep turning the crank of discipleship is an important part of our readiness. 

Jesus begins the parable on readiness by stating: "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?"  (Luke 12:42)  Good question don't you think?  In respect to readiness for the return of Christ the church needs to be doing something until that time.  We should do it with great anticipation, fervor, and excitement.  We turn and turn and turn the crank of discipleship, never stopping as long as we can breathe air; waiting for the great surprise.

Discipleship itself is a "turn-over" type of ministry.  The genius of discipleship ministry is that disciples make disciples.  It is a learner/teacher type of experience.  We continually "pay it forward" in the discipleship process.

I have a friend who often says that churches are birthing stations for new Christians.  In a manner-of-speaking we are spiritual maternity wards.  Once the church stops making new Christians it is then destined to die.

What are you doing that keeps you keenly aware of the spiritual things that are happening all around you.  Hopefully you are doing the Lord's business of readiness and preparedness, ever looking for His eminent return.  Keep on turning and before you know it Jesus could return in our lifetime.

Blessings,

-Leo