But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
Luke 12:39 NIV
Imagine being the owner of a beautiful house, nestled in a peaceful neighbourhood. This home is not just a structure; it’s your sanctuary, filled with cherished memories, a refuge for your loved ones. As you go about your daily routines, you relish the comfort and security it provides. Now, think about receiving a cryptic message—a cunning thief has targeted your home, but the hour of his arrival remains unknown. What would you do? How alert would you be? How would this knowledge affect your daily life?
These questions aren’t just hypotheticals. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 12:39), Jesus presents a profound analogy—the homeowner and the thief. This challenges us to ponder our responsibility as occupants of this metaphorical house. Are we fortifying our spiritual dwellings against the adversary, ever watchful and prepared? Or do we become complacent, assuming the thief will never come? This analogy isn’t merely a story; it’s a charge, a call to action, urging us to reflect on the vigilance needed to guard our souls against the subtle advances of the enemy.
But what if, for a moment, the scenario changed? What if you were informed of the thief’s exact arrival time? You’d have the advantage of certainty. In the light of this newfound knowledge, would you prepare differently? Would you ensure every security measure was in place and every precaution taken? It’s human nature to react swiftly when the threat is imminent and the timeline is clear. However, life seldom provides us with such luxury, and herein lies the spiritual lesson. Though we can’t predict when the enemy of our souls will strike, we must maintain perpetual vigilance, safeguarding our spiritual homes with unwavering determination, even when uncertainty shrouds the hour.
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Luke 4:13 NIV
Oftentimes, God’s grace helps us overcome the devil’s initial attempts, preventing us from falling into his snare. However, these victories are momentary, not ultimate. The devil remains relentless, ever seeking another opening. Though you may think the battle is over, but the enemy of your soul has only gone to remodel his strategy. Your current victory is temporary, the battle is not yet over. The devil, undeterred, watches for the next chink in our armour.
Shouldn’t it suffice that we’re aware the thief seeks an opportunity, even if we don’t know the hour? Knowing this, we should maintain constant vigilance. We must not procrastinate readiness until the battle is upon us, lest we become easy prey. We must learn how to stay vigilant and alert against an adversary who strikes without warning, for our spiritual homes are at stake. Our spiritual armour must always be donned, and we should remain steadfast in prayer. Ephesians advises us, “So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground” (Ephesians 6:13 GNT).
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping” (Mark 13:33, 36 NIV). While this passage originally refers to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, it underscores the devil’s stealthy approach. Since we cannot predict when the enemy will strike, we must remain vigilant and alert, so that when he does, we are ready and awake to resist his advances.
Timely warning. God bless you for your wonderful efforts to keep us at alert.