An Ounce of Prevention is worth and Pound of Cure (Lesson Two)

In this series, we will explore the need for Christians to be ready for the Lord’s Return.

Luke 12:41-48 NASB  Peter said, "Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?"  (42)  And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?  (43)  "Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.  (44)  "Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.  (45)  "But if that slave says in his heart, 'My master will be a long time in coming,' and begins to beat the slaves, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk;  (46)  the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.  (47)  "And that slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes,  (48)  but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

Faithful Servants will be rewarded.  Who is the faithful and sensible steward?  Does this just mean the Pastor, the Deacon, and the Sunday School Teacher?  This is talking about anyone who takes on any responsibility in the church.  I think we can make the argument that this applies to all Christians.  We all have a responsibility in spreading God’s Word.  

The servant must be faithful.  This means we are steadfast in our relationship with Jesus.  The servant is to be sensible which means to exhibit good sense and reason.  Lastly, a servant must be a good steward.  We are here to attend to the things God has committed into our hands.  If we are mindful of these things God will bless us.

The Unfaithful Servant will be judged.  These servants said, “while the cat is away the mouse will play”.  Sadly, some people who profess Christianity exhibit this attitude.  We need to always be ready for His return.

Just as sure as there are rewards for the faithful, there is also punishment for the unfaithful.