Sunday, November 16, 2003
Sunday, November 16, 2003
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
(Luke 12.40
NRSV)
The game warden had been trying to catch Quill for a long time. Today was the day. He knew Quill would be up early to go fishing. So the game warden sneaked down there in the middle of the night and hid on top of Quill's house. This way he knew he had the jump on Quill. He'd let him head out and then he'd follow him. His plan was to hide in the woods until Quill had caught a large, illegal bunch of fish, and he'd catch him.
As it started to get a little bit of daylight, the game warden could hear Quill get up, start a fire, and put the coffee on. His stomach started growling at the smell of that coffee and those fresh-smelling biscuits as they baked in the oven. He could hardly contain himself. Suddenly out walked Quill on the porch and hollered, "Come on down here and git some of this coffee and biscuits while they're hot! I know you're out there!" He went back in and shut the door.
The game warden could not believe it. He climbed down and walked up on the porch and into the house and exclaimed, "Well, how did you know I was out there?"
Quill said, "I didn't. I walk out there and say that ever morning, just in case ye are!"
Quill may not have been a genius, but he knew enough to take precautions. He was ready!
Quill would probably have appreciated Jesus' story about the wise and foolish virgins who went out to join a wedding party to await the arrival of the bridegroom. Some brought extra oil for their lamps. Some did not. When the bride groom was delayed and the oil gave out. Those who did not bring an extra supply tried to buy some from those who did. No deal. They were forced to return home to get more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom came and the wedding party went into the banquet hall. When the foolish girls returned, the doors were closed and they could not get in.
Are you ready? Are you prepared?
Loving God, help me to be prepared for life's challenges and for Jesus' return. Amen.
