The master of the house goes to a wedding. That can sometimes run a bit late. Do the slaves get comfortable and go to sleep? No, they do not. The light stays on, and their waists stay girded. You could say: The service continues. That is true, but that is not the main point.

The main point is that the faithful slaves want to wait for their master. They know their service isn’t over until he says it is. So they stay awake and ready to meet his needs when he returns. That is quite a remarkable attitude, because someone coming from a wedding really only wants to sleep.

Yet the slaves are there for their master – even while the master is away until the second night watch (which among the Jews lasted until 2 a.m.). Finally, dawn breaks, and the slaves keep waiting. At last there is a knock at the door. And from how quickly the slaves then open the door, it becomes clear: They have been waiting.

These slaves’ faithfulness and love move the master of the house. He sees their tied-on aprons – and ties one on himself. Although he must be tired, this generous master makes a magnificent breakfast for his slaves. They have made him happy, and now he wants to make them happy.

What great thing did these slaves actually do? They only waited. But that very waiting showed their devotion!

If we wait for our Lord daily, and nothing in our lives stands in the way of an encounter with him, blessed are we! He will grant us a special joy in glory.