Endurance in the Final Watch
Luke 12 and the Call to Remain Spiritually Awake
In Luke 12, Jesus delivers a powerful and sobering teaching about faithful stewardship in light of His return. In verses 37–40, He gives a vivid parable of servants awaiting their master’s arrival. Verse 38 especially stands out:
“And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” (Luke 12:38, KJV)
The keyword here is “if.” The Greek term แผแฝฐฮฝ (ean) conveys the idea of possibility or contingency—“even if,” “although,” “in case.” It carries with it a subtle warning: the Lord’s return may seem delayed. This calls to mind the wise counsel from 2 Peter 3:9:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward...”
The parable reminds us that our readiness should not be conditional on when the Lord returns but grounded in the certainty that He will return.
The Watches of the Night: Prophetic Layers of Time
In ancient Jewish timekeeping, the night was divided into three watches:
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First Watch: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
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Second Watch: 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
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Third Watch: 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM
When Jesus references the second or third watch, He is stressing the need for endurance. The timing isn’t early. This speaks prophetically to our current age. Many believers are weary, watching headlines about wars, false prophets, and global upheaval—yet the trumpet has not sounded.
Just as Matthew 25 portrays ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom, only the wise had oil in their lamps when the delay came. The foolish were not wicked because they slept—they were foolish because they were unprepared.
Complacency: The Hidden Danger of Delay
In Luke 12:45, Jesus warns:
“But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming... the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.”
Spiritual complacency is not always blatant rebellion. It often starts with subtle excuses—neglecting prayer, dismissing prophecy, or compromising holiness. But Hebrews 10:37 cautions:
“For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”
Even though He delays according to our timeline, God’s timing is precise. We must not mistake His mercy for absence.
The Testing of Endurance and Faith
The delay is a test—not of knowledge, but of faithfulness.
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12, KJV)
Our oil is our devotion. Our endurance is our testimony. Every headline shouting chaos, every war, every false peace treaty is not just noise—it is the rhythm of the midnight cry.
A Call to Repentance
This message is not just about being ready; it is a warning to those who have fallen asleep in their hearts. As Jesus said to the Laodicean church:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” (Revelation 3:20, KJV)
If you’ve let your lamp go out, now is the time to be rekindled. If you’ve allowed your hope to dim, now is the time to lift your eyes.
A Clear Gospel Invitation
If you do not yet know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today is the day of salvation.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9, KJV)
He came once as a Lamb to be slain. He is coming again as a King to reign. Do not wait for the third watch. Repent now, and be ready.
Final Word
The delay is a test of love. The oil is our intimacy with Him. Blessed are those servants whom the Master finds watching—even if He comes in the second or third watch.
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