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Article Archive |
2007
Faithful and Wise Disciples
by Jim Morris
Jesus warned and encouraged his disciples to remain faithful and centered on the kingdom work that He gave them (Luke 12:35-48). They were not to drop their guard or lose their focus. After all, the quality of their service would reap varying degrees of reward or punishment when Jesus returned.
Peter asked if the parable was for the apostles or for everyone. The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions” (12:42-44). Diligent service will reap an “increase” in responsibility and honor when Jesus returns.
Jesus continued, “But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers” (12:45-46). Slothful service will result in disaster. The wicked disciple will be punished and cast outside the kingdom to share the fate of the unbelievers–separation from the presence of God.
Jesus’ comments are quite shocking to folks who have a false view of heaven and hell. That is, once we are Christians then it does not matter how we live because God’s grace lets us live how “we want.” However, Jesus describes rewards that increase with wise and faithful duty. At the same time, he describes punishments that will fit the crimes. God is fair and just in his judgments.
Some Christians intentionally avoid doing the Lord’s will. Jesus said to that kind of person, “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows” (12:47). Deliberate rebellion or apathy will bring forth heavy judgment upon that kind of disciple. In contrast, believers who are simply ignorant and unwise will be treated less severely. Jesus said of them, “But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows” (12:48a). Think about it. “Who wants to get beaten at all?”
The Christian life demands our total allegiance to Jesus now! We must be wise and watchful until He comes. We cannot allow ourselves to get sidetracked from our service to Him. Of course, He will not ask from us more than he has given us, but he will demand what he has entrusted. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (12:48b).
02-14-07
# 7
