BE FAITHFUL, HE IS COMING!
BIBLE READING: Matthew 24:43-51
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
BE FAITHFUL, HE IS COMING! Matthew 24:43-51
Notice the parallel between how a thief comes and the manner of the return of the Son of Man (vs.43&44). What is the believer expected to do (v.44)? Notice also the description of the role that the believer has been given – a servant. We are all servants, and the Master has entrusted us with responsibilities in His household. Two words in v.45 describe how the servant is supposed to behave: faithful and wise. A faithful servant is one who remains loyal and steadfast to the task entrusted to him. A wise servant is one who shows experience, knowledge and good judgment in the execution of his stewardship. Notice the reward for such faithful and wise servant (vs.46&47), and contrast this with the servant described in vs.48-51. The wicked servant made an assumption (v.48) and based his action/behavior on this false assumption (v.49). Certainly, an unpleasant ending awaits such a servant (2 Cor.5:10). How many times do we make the wrong assumptions regarding our responsibilities, relationships or faith? What are the consequences of wrong assumptions?- BE FAITHFUL, HE IS COMING! Matthew 24:43-51
And So: Reflect on your life. What are the assumptions that drive your behaviour and actions?
Missions: TUVALU-Tuvalu faces an uncertain future. Very limited resources, possible rising sea levels and modern/global external influences make this traditional culture fragile, both environmentally and socially. Pray that wisdom would prevail in preserving Tuvalu as a nation and culture and that the long-standing presence of the Church would play a major role in this.
BE FAITHFUL, HE IS COMING! Matthew 24:43-51
Prayer: Ask the Lord to enable you to remain wise and faithful to the responsibilities He has entrusted to you.
Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 46-48
Verse for Today: Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. (Matt. 24:45l,46) BE FAITHFUL, HE IS COMING! Matthew 24:43-51
