The following piece was first written for the October 25, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
One of the most remarkable moments in the Bible is the ascension of Jesus Christ, recorded in Acts 1. As the risen Lord was taken up into heaven and disappeared from the disciples’ sight, they stood gazing intently into the sky. Perhaps they were saddened by his departure, unsure of what would happen next. But as they stood there, two angels appeared and gave them a message they needed to hear: Jesus, who had been taken into heaven, would come again. What a wonderful promise! The return of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope as Christians. We look forward to the day when our Lord will return in glory, put all things right, and bring his saving purposes to completion. But notice that the disciples were not meant to stand there gazing into the empty sky indefinitely. Jesus had given them a mission to fulfil. They were to return to Jerusalem, receive the promised Holy Spirit, and become his witnesses to the ends of the earth. The promise of Christ’s return was not an invitation to inactivity, but a reason to live faithfully and serve him while they waited. This is also the message of our Gospel reading this Sunday, Luke 12:42–48. Jesus calls his disciples to be faithful and wise servants, carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them while awaiting their Master’s return. We are not told when Christ will come again, and we are not called to calculate the date. Instead, we are called to be ready. What does such readiness look like? Our other reading, 1 Peter 4:7–11, gives us some practical guidance. We are to be watchful in prayer, love one another deeply, show hospitality, and use the gifts God has given us to serve others. In other words, we prepare for Christ’s return by faithfully living out our calling today. As a church, we have been entrusted with the good news of Jesus Christ and the responsibility to share his love with the world. Let us therefore not spend our days merely wondering when the Master will return. Rather, let us serve him faithfully, care for those around us, and proclaim his gospel with confidence. May the Lord find us faithful when he comes again.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, you have entrusted us with gifts, opportunities and responsibilities in your service. Keep us faithful in following your Son, Jesus Christ, and ready for his coming again. Help us to use all that you have given us to serve one another in love, to proclaim your gospel faithfully, and to bring glory to your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Photo: Port Noarlunga Jetty – photograph by Deo Vistar, Port Noarlunga, Adelaide, South Australia.
