BELIEVING that God is the shepherd and protector of His people, the psalmist begs Him to come and save them (Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19). The Lord is, indeed, coming, so we must stay awake and be watchful (Mark 13:33–37).
Come and save us
IN the context of the military debacle suffered at the hands of its enemies, the psalmist prays to God to look at Israel favorably, and to come and save His people. Confidence in God’s power and concern is expressed in the titles used for Him. He is referred to as the “shepherd of Israel”, who knows His flock intimately and hears their pleas; God is called upon to “hearken” and, from His heavenly throne surrounded by the Cherubim, His royal guards, to stir up His might and show it. The shepherd, who brings his flock to verdant pastures and protects them from predators, will surely come to save them, and let them see His face, His favor.
God is also referred to as the “Lord of hosts”, the mighty leader of legions of soldiers, majestically enthroned in heaven and pleaded with to look down and see the condition of His own people. God is next portrayed as a cultivator of vines. Vineyard-keepers are dedicated and patient persons, just like shepherds, solicitous of their wards. That is why the psalmist pleads with God to “take care of this vine” (Israel) and protect what His right hand has planted. God’s help is expected to be with the favored one on His right hand (the King), the Son of Man, whom God made strong for His people’s sake. Speaking for the people, the psalmist says that, if given new life and another chance, they will call upon God’s name in adoration and promise not to turn their back on Him ever again.
You do not know when
THE short parable in the Gospel shows how the servants of a man traveling abroad are placed in charge of his household, each with his own assigned task. The gatekeeper, in particular, is told to be on guard, to make sure that what or who should not be let in his property does not get in, and what or who should not get out does not leave. The time of the return of the Lord of the house is not known. It can be in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn—four periods of time for the night watches in the military. Like soldiers, the servants are expected to stand guard and not be caught sleeping. The enemies make their move especially at night; diligence and vigilance are vital.
No one knows when the Lord of the house is coming. It is unscheduled, or clearly not according to our schedule. This is of main significance: The servants are uncertain about the time of their master’s return. They are not allowed to be idle while waiting for him; they all have their respective responsibilities, which are to be accounted for in due time. Until the owner of the house returns, everyone must be diligent in his or her work. It will be disastrous if the owner suddenly returns home to find his servants asleep and not expecting him at all.
Be watchful
THE parable is a metaphor. The whole point of it is the imperative “Watch!” and the injunction to be watchful is given to all. The period before the coming of the One, whenever that may be, should be spent in diligent faithfulness to the wishes of the owner of the house. Therefore, the servants must be vigilant at all times as they wait for the return of their master. They must be ready and watchful always. Tragic events can take place in a moment of inattention. This is particularly so in the time of greatest vulnerability, in the hours of darkness.
The command to watch out for the arrival of the master is repeated three times; it is very clearly emphasized as the most important. Interestingly, the Greek word for time is kairos—the propitious time, the special time above all others, the grace of a time when the Lord comes and shares His saving presence with all. This uncommon time is a gift of the one whose coming is long awaited; it brings communion and salvation. The time referred to here is not mere chronos—sequential and physical time, like any other time. And all must be ready for this time of salvation, watching and waiting.
Alálaong bagá, for the First Sunday of Advent, we have established the setting for the whole season. In our context of suffering and failure, we, like the psalmist, turn our eyes to God and plead with Him to look down upon us, and come and save us. God will definitely come for our sake, but we need to be watchful all the time so as not to miss His coming.
Join me in meditating on the Word of God every Sunday, 5 to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio-streaming on www.dwiz882.com.