Word@Work Luke211 - Luke 12:41-44
Published: Wed, 10/13/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
REALISING THE RESPONSIBILITY
Luke 12:41-44 Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to 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. (NIV)
The disciples seemed to live one day at a time with little thought of the future, except they felt that Jesus would be great and they would have important roles (Luke 9:46). They did not understand that He would leave them to finish the work of establishing the church under the direction of the Holy Spirit. They would be 'put in charge' of the church and prepare the generations of believers to eagerly anticipate His return.
They had started to understand that Jesus was training them and that the parables and miracles were not just for the benefit of the crowds or favoured individuals. It was all to equip them for the task of church leadership - a job for which many of them would be martyred. But to be given that responsibility was a huge step in their thinking. Yes, they were hungry for power and greatness, but the responsibility which was given came with accountability. Jesus was giving them the gospel (keys of the Kingdom) along with the people who would be brought to faith by believing it ... and the sense of responsibility was slowly sinking in.
Everybody who belongs to Christ has a spiritual responsibility to the people around them. The days of foundational church leaders have been completed, but every Christian parent is a pastor-teacher and evangelist to their family. Every believer is a prophet with the responsibility to say what is true about the covenant of God's grace: every compassionate soul can only function if the Holy Spirit is allowed to stir up faith and good works. As Jesus said, "to who much is given, much shall be required" (Luke 12:48). The Christian who enjoys the blessings of God and has no sense of responsibility to work for Him is like a child playing with tools as though they were toys. No, we are all responsible and therefore accountable when Jesus returns. Firstly this is a matter of confession and prayer, then we need to face our responsibilities as seriously as we shall face Jesus on the day He returns.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for having included me in Your Kingdom when I trusted in Jesus. I have delighted in the benefits of Your grace, but I confess that I have not always realised the responsibility I bear to be a fellow worker with Christ in the building of His church. Forgive me for underestimating the privilege I have been given and for treating my citizenship of heaven so lightly. Please cleanse me from the sin of treating your gifts as toys rather than as tools for building Your Kingdom. Help me to be aware that having received so much I am also accountable to You for using my life in Your service. Help me to accept that challenge today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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The disciples seemed to live one day at a time with little thought of the future, except they felt that Jesus would be great and they would have important roles (Luke 9:46). They did not understand that He would leave them to finish the work of establishing the church under the direction of the Holy Spirit. They would be 'put in charge' of the church and prepare the generations of believers to eagerly anticipate His return.
They had started to understand that Jesus was training them and that the parables and miracles were not just for the benefit of the crowds or favoured individuals. It was all to equip them for the task of church leadership - a job for which many of them would be martyred. But to be given that responsibility was a huge step in their thinking. Yes, they were hungry for power and greatness, but the responsibility which was given came with accountability. Jesus was giving them the gospel (keys of the Kingdom) along with the people who would be brought to faith by believing it ... and the sense of responsibility was slowly sinking in.
Everybody who belongs to Christ has a spiritual responsibility to the people around them. The days of foundational church leaders have been completed, but every Christian parent is a pastor-teacher and evangelist to their family. Every believer is a prophet with the responsibility to say what is true about the covenant of God's grace: every compassionate soul can only function if the Holy Spirit is allowed to stir up faith and good works. As Jesus said, "to who much is given, much shall be required" (Luke 12:48). The Christian who enjoys the blessings of God and has no sense of responsibility to work for Him is like a child playing with tools as though they were toys. No, we are all responsible and therefore accountable when Jesus returns. Firstly this is a matter of confession and prayer, then we need to face our responsibilities as seriously as we shall face Jesus on the day He returns.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for having included me in Your Kingdom when I trusted in Jesus. I have delighted in the benefits of Your grace, but I confess that I have not always realised the responsibility I bear to be a fellow worker with Christ in the building of His church. Forgive me for underestimating the privilege I have been given and for treating my citizenship of heaven so lightly. Please cleanse me from the sin of treating your gifts as toys rather than as tools for building Your Kingdom. Help me to be aware that having received so much I am also accountable to You for using my life in Your service. Help me to accept that challenge today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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