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Vox Sunday Sermon – Get Ready

Written by

Jay Downes

in

Get Ready – The Return – Ministries Pastor Shawn Haggerty

My Notes

“Let your waist be girded and your lights be burning, and you be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door immediately for him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master will find watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will dress himself and have them sit down to dine, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch, and finds them so, blessed are those servants. But know this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house servants, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will appoint him over all his possessions. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the house servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him to pieces and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. “That servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who unknowingly committed acts worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.” Luke 12:35-48 MEV

The Importance of Waiting Well

Jesus teaches that there is a time of waiting before His return—and how we wait matters.

  • What kind of person will you become in the waiting?
  • Jesus comes to save those who are waiting for Him with faithfulness and readiness.

“The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
— Matthew 26:41

Stay Awake and Ready

  1. Be Awake – Jesus tells us to stay spiritually awake and alert.
    • “Stay dressed” – Live each day prepared for His return.
    • Salvation is near—live with urgency and purpose.
  2. Follow His Patterns – Jesus calls us to reflect His character while we wait.
    • Jesus’ life was marked by selfless love and service.
    • Blessed are those who follow His example of love and care.
  3. Care Deeply for His People
    • The master’s household = God’s people.
    • We are entrusted with the care of others—our family, friends, and community.
    • The people in our lives are not ours—they are on loan from God.
  4. Confidence in Judgment
    • Confidence on the day of judgment comes from receiving God’s unconditional love and extending it to others.
    • We are called to reflect the love we’ve been given.
  5. Pray and Persevere
    • “Always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1)
    • Faithful prayer strengthens our resolve and keeps us spiritually awake.

Living Ready Means Loving Well

Jesus’ return is not meant to create fear—it’s an invitation to live with joyful expectation.

  • Care for others as though you are caring for Christ.
  • Encourage and invite others to the table of the Lord.
  • Be found awake, faithful, and loving when He returns.

There is no greater truth than to be found in Jesus—moment by moment, day by day.

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