Good Servant

” ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’  Luke 19:17 (NIV)

Jesus teaches us through a story.  He tells of a Nobleman goes on a journey to be made King.  He leaves His servants with a charge to take care of certain quantities then sets off.  Some do not want Him as King.  They send a delegation to stop Him.  When He comes back victoriously crowned King, all are called in to give account of what they have done with what was given to them.  The one who was given a greater quantity is commended because he used his charge to bring a return.  Another who was given less also is commended because he also found a way to double what was given him.  But them comes one who was given just a small amount.  He never makes an effort to bring a return for what was commissioned to him.  This one is rebuked for not having done anything with what his Master has given him.  Those who tried to stand in the way or did not want Him as King are done away with.

Have we heard the story before?  What did we get from it?  Did it move us in some way?  Did we find a Way for it to bring us personally before God?  Did it help us understand the charge the Lord has left us with?  Jesus too has gone off to become crowned King.  Have we understood from what we know of His teachings that there are some things He asks of us?  What are those things?  How do we read it?  Which person described in this story do we resemble?  Where do we fit?  Are we the ones who don´t really want to see Him come back as King?  What are we doing with what we have been charged with?

We may like to think that the charges that were left to us are the talents and abilities that were we have been given.  But what if Jesus was directing our attention to our faith in Him?  What if He wanted us to occupy ourselves with making that faith grow?  What if He wanted to see a return for the little awareness of His Kingdom He has given us?  What if He is expecting to find our faith and urgency doubled when He returns?  If He has given us many hours of instruction, should that investment bring a greater harvest in Godly awareness, love and Spirit?  If we have received only a small notion of His power, worth and love, should even that tiny portion work its purpose and bring our Master His intended reward?  Or are we neglecting to take the notion of our Saviour and turn it into something we can be proud to give back to Him?  Are we failing to use what we know of Jesus and His Kingdom to build up a nest egg of faith in Him?  Have we buried our responsibility to God away where we don´t need to think about it?  Or are we doing what we can to turn it into a fine reward?

In the story each one gets rewarded for what they do with what was entrusted to them.  Those who placed importance and grew what was given them are handsomely compensated.  Those who chose a lesser path are scolded and not included in the New Kingdom.  Who are we?  Are we the good servant?  Or are we failing to make all of our faith and the importance of the matter as we should?

Dear Jesus, shine Your light into our hearts today.  Let us see clearly what we are doing with all that You have entrusted to us.  When You come back as crowned King, we want only blessings from You.  Please help us not to let You down.  This is too important to burry or hide away.  Help us to grow the small amount of faith that You have given to us.  Let it bring in a great return so that we will be happy to give account to You on Your return!

Amen