The focus of the gospel text (Luke 12:35-59) that immediately precedes this week’s gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9), that we do not get to encounter this Lent, is about being ‘alert’. Being ready for the possibility of Christ’s coming again. Jesus said v35 ‘Make sure you are dressed and ready with your lamps alight’ and to paraphrase ‘sleep with one eye open in case a thief tries their luck’.
N.T. Wright [in Lent for Everyone p60] says, “Jesus was getting Israel, and the world, and his followers, ready for the great events that were still to come. Everything he was doing was about launching a project, the work of God’s Kingdom. One day that kingdom will come to full birth full and fresh, and all that Jesus has been doing will be seen as the necessary ground-work for that new moment.”
But meanwhile we are in that in-between-time, desperately trying to follow Jesus, in desperate need of his help, wondering when the promises will line up with reality. We pray the prayer Jesus taught .. ‘Your Kingdom come….’
So what is this in-between-time about? Some cruel joke? A test of endurance?
No, its about learning to wait. N.T. Wright says “You need to grow up in your trust of God. Learning to wait is part of the deal.” “What matters is that when God does what God is going to do, you’re ready.” [p 61]
As we approach Easter again we need to see the events and purpose of Jesus’ life from heaven’s perspective not ours. Our determination of what is ‘fair and just’ in this matter, and our offence at God’s plan and timing needs to be laid down again this Lent. God’s Kingdom was well and truly launched at Jesus’ resurrection – “it will be completed when God makes new heavens and new earth, with Jesus present as King and Lord in the middle of it all.” [p 61]
Our part – ‘be ready’.
