39But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." 41Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" 42And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. 44Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45But if that servant says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. 47And that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. 48But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.
This is a very strong warning to those who try and time their behaviour. I suppose it applies to those who do the right thing only when someone is watching or when they know they will be caught for doing the other. The reading is specific to those who think they can repent just in time for judgement day. Christ tells us do what is right becaus it is right and act out of gratitude for has already been bestowed upon you. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required”. I want to model my life on this. To me, God has given much so i am prepared to to discover and do what God requires of me.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Luke 12:39-48 is insightful and touches on some very important themes—genuine integrity, the danger of living superficially, and the deep responsibility that comes with God's blessings. The warning against "timing" our behavior is a call to authenticity in our faith and actions, reminding us that we are always accountable to God, not just when others are watching or when we think we might be judged.
DeleteYou’ve made an excellent connection between the idea of doing what is right out of gratitude and the notion of using our gifts wisely. Christ’s teaching emphasizes that we should not live as though we can game the system by repenting at the last minute, but rather that we should live in continuous alignment with God’s will out of love, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility.
The line "Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required" really anchors this reading. It highlights both the privilege and responsibility of receiving God’s blessings. By recognizing that God has given you much, you are stepping into a space of spiritual maturity, acknowledging that these gifts—whether material, intellectual, emotional, or spiritual—are to be used for God’s purposes, particularly in serving others.
Your commitment to discovering and doing what God requires of you is admirable and deeply aligned with the essence of discipleship. This reading reminds us that we’re called to be faithful stewards of all we have been given, not because we fear judgment, but because we love God and desire to live in response to His grace.
I believe your prayerful reflection on this passage is right in line with Jesus' teachings about integrity and stewardship, encouraging you to continue seeking how to best use your gifts for the kingdom of God.