Remember that Jesus and His disciples were still
on the road. We recall that great crowds of people were following Him (Luke
12:1) on the journey toward Jerusalem. He made it His priority to instruct His
disciples, but His message was also needful to all would-be followers. So He
allowed the crowds to listen in. Beginning at Luke 12, the issues He covers
included hypocrisy, covetousness, and watchfulness. So in Luke 12:41-48, He
began on the issue of faithfulness. On calling them to be watchful, He used two
short parables. Peter obviously had caught His message. So He wanted to know if
the message of the previous two parables (Luke 12:35-39) about being watchful
were for them, the disciples only, or were they also meant for the crowds.
Jesus did not give him an answer. Instead, He told them the parable concerning
faithfulness.
His key message
is about the characters of a faithful and wise steward. He was to take charge
of the master's servants and property. Among the tasks he was to discharge he
was expected to care for the other servants. The master expected him to be
responsible. He was to feed the other servants out of the master's storehouse. A
servant, if he was found to be faithful, would be given greater
responsibilities when the master returns. However, because the time of the
master's return was not known, the steward could be faithless and become
careless. He could act irresponsibly, mistreat the other servants and misuse
his position. This servant would be called to account for his irresponsible
actions and be punished at the master's return.
The message
of this parable is clear. Faithful stewards of the Lord can look forward to
greater privileges and responsibilities when He returns. Conversely,
irresponsible stewards will be punished at His return. Verses 47- 48 seem to suggest differing degree of rewards and
punishment. What's important for us to know is that privilege brings with it
responsibility. Accountability is greater for those who are given greater
responsibility. We should not be careless and irresponsible regarding our
service to the Lord even though His return seems indefinite. We should spend
this indefinite period of His return to build ourselves and the lives of others
all the more.
Some things
to note as we seek to cultivate faithfulness:
1) Know for sure that we are not our own, we
belong to the Lord
2) Faithfully foster a closer relationship with
Christ through the Word and prayer
3) Wholeheartedly obey Him and act on His will
4) Wisely steward the resources – time, money and
talent that He has availed to us
5) Diligently share with others, but stay focused
on the main things
So don’t be a castaway, but be faithful until He comes!
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