Daily Reading: 8-10-16
Luke 12:41-48
God has poured spiritual gifts into every one of His children. These are gifts to be used for the exaltation of Christ and the advancement of the spiritual Kingdom. It is unwise to handle these gifts irresponsibly, because God certainly comes with expectations. God’s gifts are powerful and bring about the necessary results when used in obedience to God’s purposes. We are wise if we realize God’s spiritual gifts to us are the very things that effectively draw more people into Kingdom living while on earth. Our lives are the greatest witness to the reality of Christ in us. In Christ, we are loving, sincere and filled with integrity, quick to witness to the goodness of God, trusting God for provision, and diligent with every task no matter what the size. Our foreheads are sealed with the joy of our salvation.
In our passage today, Jesus has been teaching his disciples about staying ready for his return. Jesus told his followers he would be leaving while the Kingdom was being prepared, but in the future he would return for them. They were to faithfully occupy until his return. If Jesus returned today, would you be watching for him? Would you be ready to give an account for your work on behalf of the Kingdom?
Luke 12:41-48
41 Peter said, “Master, are you telling this story just for us? Or is it for everybody?”
42-46 The Master said, “Let me ask you: Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time? He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he’s doing his job. But if he says to himself, ‘The master is certainly taking his time,’ begins maltreating the servants and maids, throws parties for his friends, and gets drunk, the master will walk in when he least expects it, give him the thrashing of his life, and put him back in the kitchen peeling potatoes.
47-48 “The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he’ll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be a loving and dependable leader who feeds the faith of your people. Thank you for the gifts you have deposited within me; I stand ready to serve you. Holy Spirit, I surrender to your work as I anticipate Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.