Lk 17:26-37
Prepared disciples: The Second Coming of Jesus, according to Luke, will take place while people are occupied with the daily events of life—eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, building. Two examples of people of the past who were not prepared for an intervention of God into history are given.
Noah and Lot represent those who are prepared for the day of the Second Coming of Jesus. Around Noah and Lot were others who were not prepared for the flood and the destruction; these perished in the midst of their concern over earthly affairs. According to Luke, the attitude of Christians must be that of indifference toward things of the earth while waiting for Jesus’ coming in glory.
When this day comes, it will demand an immediate response, and only those who are detached from earthly affairs and prepared for the day will respond accordingly.
What will really matter to Jesus will be the fact that people have followed his journey of rejection, suffering, and death. A great divide will be created by his coming—not based on earthly values. The criteria for being taken are preparedness and discipleship. The First Coming of Jesus has taken place; now, disciples prepare themselves for his Second Coming while they live out the demands of discipleship.