Be Ready
We know not when Jesus will return to this world, but not knowing cannot be an excuse for not being prepared. Jesus tells us we need to be forever prepared. He warns us that thieves never come when the owner of the house is prepared to fight them off. Satan knows when we are prepared and when we are weak. I always find myself fighting my strongest battles when I am already weak from life’s difficulties or disappointments. When I have taken my eyes off God, that is when Satan tries to convince me that God is not who I think He is.
Today’s reading focuses its attention from the broad stroke of those who claim to follow Christ to the individual who leads others in their faith. As James 3:1 tells us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” This passage stems directly from Jesus’ words in today’s reading. Jesus told Peter he was speaking of managers – those have been placed in charge of others at the Master’s hand. These are any of us who teach, lead, or influence the spiritual lives of others. Jesus clearly states that the reward for finding the manager being faithful far exceeds anything we could imagine. In fact, Jesus says the manager will be given even greater authority. However, the one who abuses their power will be cut into pieces and put with the unfaithful. Imagine that. God places those who abuse their influence on the same level as those who outrightly reject God.
It is not just the ones who abuse their power who need to fear the second coming of the Lord and his judgment. Jesus declared, “And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to His will, will receive a severe beating” (verse 47). Here Jesus takes the warning from leadership to the individual. We have scripture. We have the Holy Spirit. We have no excuse. We know God’s will because He plainly and freely gave it to us. As James 4:17 tells us, “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Jesus clearly tells us that sin will not be rewarded.
Because God is just, He cannot excuse any sin, not even sin done in ignorance. Verses like Numbers 15:22-31 remind us that sin carries the weight of death – even sin that is unintentional. Sin always separates and always leads to spiritual death. For this reason, Jesus addressed unintentional or unknown sin. Verse 48 says, “But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating.” The consequence remains, but notice the just way in which God deals with all of humanity. He doesn’t lay down a one-size-fits-all approach to sin and consequences. He looks at the individual and judges accordingly. Jesus concludes today’s reading by explaining, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Matthew Poole commented on this statement saying, “Ignorance of the Divine shall not wholly excuse the sinner, he shall be beaten, but his stripes shall be few, his damnation shall be gentle compared with a minister’s, that knows his Master’s will but does it not; teaches it to others, but does it not himself…God looks upon wicked, loose, and scandalous and mischievous ministers as the greatest transgressors, and he will deal with them as such” (1969).
One day we will all stand before the Lord and face His just judgment. He knows exactly how much responsibility He placed upon our shoulders. He knows every opportunity we were given. He also knows when we failed and when we succeeded. That knowledge should affect the decision we make in this life. Yes, our Lord tarries in his return. People have been watching the sky and listening for the sound of the trumpet for two thousand years, but the fact that he has yet to come doesn’t excuse us from remaining focused and ready. We don’t know the hour of his return, but we know what he expects us to be doing while we wait. Let us use what He has given us wisely. Let us be prepared. Let us keep our eyes focused on God so that we are found worthy of the calling He has placed on our lives.
(written by Keegan Harkins.)
References:
Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 3 (Matthew-Revelation) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1969)
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