THE ANSWER TO WHEN, WHO and WHAT – part 9a:
Matthew 24:45. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Verse 46. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Verse 47. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
Verse 48. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ Verse 49. And begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, Verse 50. the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour, he does not know
Verse 51. and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
What Jesus says in verses 45 through 51 is almost unimaginable to the untrained or unwilling mind. The charge given by Jesus to everyone who calls themselves “Christian” and who has anyone under their charge or under their care, is an urgent and unforgiving command.
Jesus, our master, has set certain people over households with the expectation they will care for that household by feeding and nurturing them physically, mentally, emotionally and most importantly, spiritually, preparing them for Christ’s return. Failure to do so is compared to a slovenly servant who eats and drinks with drunkards and does not expect his master’s return. This failure, will cost the impudent servant his life. He is to be cut into pieces and put away with the hypocrites, and a place will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This could accurately be called a litmus test for the Christian. Failure to serve Christ by failing to serve those in your care reveals your true relationship and your eternal standing under God.
These words create a fear and trembling within me as I search my soul, working out my salvation. However, you and I find complete solace in my eternal security by way of my faith in Christ by the great mercies and grace of God our Father; I delight in serving my Master by serving my household, giving them their food at the proper time.
“It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck, and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin.” – Jesus, Luke 17:2
So where do we go from here? Jesus is clear that we are to follow Him as disciples and do the works that he has done and greater works yet, because He has gone to be with the Father. May we be considered to be that faithful and wise servant.
PREVIOUS: ANSWER TO WHEN – Part 9: AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH.
THE INTRODUCTION: THE END OF THE AGE?
UPCOMING SERIES:
How Can I Be Prepared?
How Should I Respond?
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