JESUS SPEAKING
Then Peter said to him, “Lord do you speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Luke 12: 42-46.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Before ascending into heaven Jesus promised to return. He used a wedding parable to illustrate His second coming. When the master of a household left to attend a wedding, the exact moment of his return was uncertain. The master in this story represents Jesus. The servant placed over the master’s household represents the disciples whom He left behind to care for His church. Today, within the body of Christ there are new leaders in positions of authority. Some are just and wise stewards, while others have become impatient with Christ’s return and have chosen to mistreat God’s people and to live in sin. When Christ does return, He will reward those who have been faithful, and He will punish those who have failed to serve in the absence of their master.
In the United States, a new industry known as ‘mystery shopping’ has become quite popular. Most employers find it beneficial to tour their own facilities; to evaluate their products, procedures, equipment, and especially their employees. Employees however, do not act naturally when their bosses are present; they tend to ‘put on a show;’ they work harder and more efficiently; they become more polite and positive toward the customers and other staff members. This effect makes it nearly impossible for managers and owners to accurately evaluate their workers. In turn, many employers are now hiring people to pretend that they are customers; as they shop, they are secretly evaluating the employees. And then, when the employees become aware that the owner is using mystery shoppers, it causes them to maintain a higher level of performance in the work place.
Many purported Christians today have become slack, because their master is not present; but Jesus can return at any moment. A lack of faith in His second coming will lead to increased sin, and unrighteous living. To avoid disobedience, we must constantly expect His arrival; every second, of every hour, of every day. We must never lose hope; but rather trust in His promises. As we wait, it is our duty to continue to serve and love our fellows. When He does return, those who were faithful in His absence will receive eternal blessings and everlasting life.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may our hearts be expectant as we continue to hope in Your return. Increase our faith that we might forever trust in Your promises. May we always desire to serve You and our fellows. Guide and direct our steps, that we may know with certainty, the duties and responsibilities that You have given to each us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 