Many of the latest video appliances and gadgets have a component that has become a common, even standard, feature. They are “Internet-ready.” Internet-ready means that an appliance (such as a disc player or TV) is made with the capability to access the Internet. When such an appliance is set-up the owner is able to enjoy things like movies, music, sports scores, and news updates from the Internet through the HDTV. For example, you can play movies from your Netflix® Instant Queue, or check the weather forecast without interrupting the TV show you’re watching. You no longer have to connect your computer to the
TV to access video services available through the Internet. Of course, the services that the appliance can access are limited to what the manufacturers have built into the unit. The point is that the ability to connect to the services is dependent on whether that capability is built into the unit—that is, it is ready.
The Bible also speaks of readiness. It concerns the readiness of a person to be a partner with Christ in accomplishing God’s purposes. And such readiness brings its own blessing when the Lord returns and rewards faithfulness. Consider the following:
Paul instructs all followers of Christ: “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work” (2Timothy 2.21 NLT-SE). Also, he encourages disciples “to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1Timothy 6.18 ESV). Anyone who becomes a true follower of Christ is “reconfigured” or “upgraded” to have the capability to respond to the Lord’s leading in his life. Furthermore, God has given the Christian a new access to his very presence, “for through [Christ] we … have access to
the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2.18 TNIV). This access allows us to function in a way that we could never do without Christ. This is what is involved when we “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3.10 ESV).
And Jesus tells his disciples concerning his return: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24.44 TNIV). Readiness here focuses on how we conduct ourselves now, not when he returns in the future.
Are you “Lord-ready”—ready to respond to his call and do his will at all times? Then, when he returns, you will join in the celebration: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19.7 TNIV).
—Keith Y. Jainga