Todays readings come from Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:42-48 and Psalm 101. Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish servants talks about a “faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household” who, having been left in charge of the household, does well with his responsibility and is blessed for it. Conversely, the foolish servant who “says to himself, ‘my master is delayed in coming,'” and does not follow the instructions of the master. The master shows up unannounced and finds the servant’s disobedience, which has pretty severe consequences.
This parable, like all other parables – and all of scripture, for that matter – has a lot going on in it. I’m being spoken to today, though, on the surface context of this passage. There are some basic messages here without having to dig too deeply.
- Jesus says we must carry on with diligence while the Lord is gone. We must be that faithful and wise servant who takes care of his master’s business while the master is away.
- Jesus also promised that we will be rewarded for our diligence. The servants serve the master, but the master knows how to take care of and reward the servants.
- Jesus warns of having an attitude that relies on a master “delayed in coming.” Instead, we should live in constant anticipation of His return.
Thankfully, we’re not expected to be perfect all the time. But when I think about having to give an accounting for my actions to the Lord, it is always in some far-off future time and place, not in the here and now.
What if in the middle of my workday – or evening at home with family – or weekend visiting with friends – Jesus came and said that it was time to answer for everything. How would He find me? Would I have been in prayer, in communication with him that same day? Would I have been meditating on His words found in scripture?
Or would He instead find me binge-watching one of my shows on Netflix, in a messy house with my kids running amok?? Or gossiping with someone? The list could really go on here, but I think you get the idea.
David sets high standards for behavior in Psalm 101.
- I will sing of (be enthused by!) steadfast love and justice
- I will ponder the way that is blameless
- I will walk with integrity of heart
- I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless
- I will know nothing of evil
- I will not tolerate gossip or haughty/arrogant behavior (v5)
- I will look with favor on the faithful and dwell with them
- I will be ministered to by those whose walk is blameless
- I will not tolerate/dwell with those who practice deceit
Let’s meditate on this Psalm and the parable today. Which servant am I? Am I ready for my master to return at any moment?