Be Wise Managers

January 31, 2011

Read Luke 12:35-48

Luke 12:42-43
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.

The manager in this passage of course refers to Israel. The manager is of course the church now. It is a question that those especially with influence and position in the church must answer.

Faithfulness is the main thrust of this story.

The Third watch refers to the last stretch before dawn – the time when most people find hardest to stay awake. The faithful servant is one who will keep himself awake and alert, anticipating the master’s footsteps anytime; ready to receive him.

What are the ways that will make us ‘sleep at our job’?

It is first the false belief that our master is not coming back. Faithful disciples are those who keep the Lord’s return always in mind. Living daily lives of eating, working and sleeping sometimes numb us to the reality of Jesus’ second coming. It causes us to forget that we might die anytime (reminder of the Parable of the Rich Fool) and will have to give an account of our lives.

The second temptation is the false belief that the Lord is slow in coming back. We still have time. Distractions and temptations lurk in every corner to stray our devotion. Relax! The world calls us. Party! Enjoy! Jesus warns us to beware for He will come back when least expected.

This passage is a warning to all of us to be alert, be faithful and do our very best – 100 percent to God’s work because it is with 100 percent certainty that the Lord will come back and He will not spare anyone who is negligent in attitude and ministry.

May we take Jesus’ warning seriously and live today like it is the last.