"Be Prepared!” – A Retro Reflection on Luke 12:32–40 - Sarah Curl

My preteen years were in the 1970s. At school, we read Ladybird books about Peter and Jane’s domestic adventures. A packet of crisps cost 5p, my mum collected Green Shield stamps, and our black-and-white TV flickered through Doctor Who and Tales of the Unexpected while my sister and I hid behind the sofa. I still have a fear of electric pylons thanks to those haunting public information films, especially the one where a boy is electrocuted trying to retrieve a frisbee from a substation.

We learned the code for how to cross roads with the lycra clad Green Cross Man and knew never to follow strangers offering puppies because Charlie Said. I loved escaping to the airing cupboard with a torch and an Enid Blyton book and joining the adventures of the Famous Five and Secret Seven. I was a Brownie; my brother, a Scout. I still remember the promise:“I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and to serve the Queen and to help other people, and to keep the Brownie Guide Law.”And our motto was? “Be Prepared.”

“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit... You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

When Jesus spoke these words, He wasn’t trying to frighten His followers. He was calling them to be alert, ready, prepared, it is less a warning and more a wake-up call, a reminder to be ready for whatever life brings: surprises, service, sacrifice, and love.

And this message wasn’t confined to Scripture. But it echoed through the books and screens of a 1970s childhood. If you grew up hearing “Be Prepared” from your Scout or Guide leader, helping Peter and Jane tidy up, or nervously watching public information films, you’ve already tasted what spiritual readiness looks like.

So grab your torch (check the batteries), lace your boots (double knot), and pack a sandwich. Let’s explore nostalgically how the stories of the 70s help us live out Luke 12:32–40

Verse 32 “Do Not Be Afraid, Little Flock” for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”

Jesus starts with reassurance, not fear. “Don’t be afraid,” He says. God wants you in His Kingdom.

It’s like the calm of a Peter and Jane book:“Peter is at home. Jane is at home. They are good.”Simple. Reassuring. But behind the simplicity is a lesson: order, kindness, helping, belonging.

Even public information films, though scary at times, weren’t designed to paralyse us in fear. Their message was: “Be aware, be safe. You can do this.” Jesus says the same, don’t be afraid, be ready. The Kingdom is already yours, so live like it is NOW.

The Famous Five understood this. They faced danger, caves, criminals, sailing out to dark islands in a rowing boat, but with trust and courage. Courage that is grounded in the belief that good wins in the end.

Verse 33 “Sell Your Possessions and Give Alms. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This verse asks us to check our values. Remember the barns that Sarah talked about last Sunday. What matters more stuff or people? Comfort or courage?

In the world of Peter and Jane, treasure might be a shiny new bike or a tidy room. But underneath was a lesson in responsibility, cooperation, and family. Helping Mum always earned a smile and a “Well done!”a reward worth more than gold.

I am delighted to be living in walking distance of Wimbledon Common, because Ione of my favourite children’s series was the Wombles. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Wombles lived this out perfectly. They turned rubbish into useful things, cleaned up after others, and lived with quiet purpose. That’s what Jesus means by treasure: lives focused on service, not self.

In the Scouts and Guides, giving was woven into everything. “Do a good turn daily,” we were told. Whether it was crossing the road with an elderly person or building a camp kitchen, it was never about reward. It was about heart. Because where your treasure is, your heart will follow.

Verse 53 tells to “Be Dressed for Action and Have our Lamps Lit”

Here Jesus calls us to action. We’re not meant to drift passively through life. We’re called to be alert, equipped, and brimming with purpose.

Scouts and Guides lived this every day. Being dressed for action meant knowing how to tie knots, cook over fires, or splint a sprained ankle. But it also meant readiness in character alert to the need of others ready to serve, honest and brave.

The Famous Five never waited to be asked. They packed torches, rope, sandwiches always ready for adventure in the school holidays. Just like Jesus asks us to be, prepared for the unexpected.

Even Blue Peter caught this spirit. With fundraising challenges, DIY activities, and learning new skills, it showed kids they didn’t need to wait until adulthood to make a difference. Just roll up your sleeves and begin.

As Christians, we’re called to live the same way: lamps lit, boots on, hearts open.

Verse 37  “Blessed Are Those Whom the Master Finds Alert”

Now comes the twist: those who are ready aren’t just rewarded, they’re served by the Master. It’s unexpected. I think it is beautiful.

I remember a time in the Brownies when the Brown Owl thanked me in front of the whole pack because I quietly tidied up without being asked. It was a reward that I was not expecting.

In 1970s children’s TV, it was often the quiet, faithful ones who saved the day, not with heroics, but with kindness and care.

The Clangers and Bagpuss remind us that gentleness and attentiveness matter. The master in Jesus’ parable isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for faithfulness in small, unseen acts of readiness and care.

Verse 40 “The Son of Man Is Coming at an Unexpected Hour”

This final verse is the clincher. Jesus will return, but we won’t get a warning. So how do we live?

We live ready.

If you remember anything from 70s public information films, you’ll remember that message: danger is sudden. Look both ways. Don’t play by water. Unplug the toaster.

Spiritual readiness works the same way. It’s about habits, habits of daily prayer, generosity, forgiveness, honesty. It’s about keeping your spiritual boots by the door, torch topped up, and maybe a marmalade sandwich (à la Paddington) under your hat.

Because Jesus may return tomorrow. Or He may simply appear today in the face of someone needing some kindness.

Living the Kingdom, 70s Style

Luke 12:32–40 isn’t just about Jesus’ return, it’s about how we live now, hopefully with the same enthusiasm and readiness that defined our childhoods.

• Peter and Jane taught us that helping at home mattered.

• The Famous Five showed us how to meet life’s adventures with courage, sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer.

• The Wombles reminded us that small, caring acts matter.

• Public information films warned us to stay alert.

• Blue Peter showed us kids can serve and make a difference.

• The Scouts and Guides gave us the motto: Be Prepared.

Jesus calls us to the same readiness, not with anxiety and fear, but with joy and purpose. To live as if each moment matters eternally, because it does. To see every act of kindness, every word of forgiveness, every quiet prayer as part of the Kingdom breaking in.

So whether you’re heading off on an adventure with the Famous Five, tidying up like a Womble, or making tea for a neighbour remember: the Kingdom of God is coming. And we can be ready.

Let’s pack our spiritual bags.Let’s light our lamps.Let’s live the adventure.

Amen.