In the parable of the faithful servant, we are warned to beware, to keep awake, to keep alert, to be ready, to be prepared, and to be waiting, because only the Lord knows when He will send Jesus back to get his followers. We are encouraged and admonished to treat each day like the day our Lord returns, ‘Maranatha!’ But as the days, weeks, months, years, and even centuries roll on, it becomes harder to stay vigilant, watchful, and prepared for His return.
“Blessed is the slave whom his master finds working when he returns.” So, we should keep working, not on physical earthly wealth but spiritual wholeness. We must keep working to help, to support, to encourage, and to love each other just as Christ commanded his believers. We may be sleeping when he returns, or doing laundry, or working to provide for our family, but He knows our every thought and deed, and he will decide whether to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come into my rest,” or “Begone from me you evil-doer. I never knew you.” No where in scripture do I find the option, “Well, why don’t you go back and retry that little life of yours and see if you can improve it to a passing grade.” As far as I know, this life is a one shot opportunity to show our worth to our master. Our fruit will reveal the intent of our hearts, and ultimately our worthiness for citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
I find it interesting the parable talks about both light and severe beatings for disobedient servants, but still calls them servants. Elsewhere in scripture we are reminded, “The Lord disciplines those whom he loves,” so if there are beatings, maybe there is some love there as well. I still dread one of my earthly dad’s favorite sayings, “The beatings will continue until morale improves.” Maybe it should say, “The sermons will continue until morality improves.”
Grace & Peace, Charles.