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High Fidelity from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo.

Jesus told His disciples a parable about stewards waiting for their Master to come home. He was gone to a wedding celebration, which could last several days in Hebrew culture. So they were to watch and prepare for His return, though they didn't know the exact time. The faithful steward was dressed and ready, even if the Master came during the middle of the night.

(Luke 12:35–36 NKJV)  "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately."

When Jesus finished the story, the Apostle Peter asked Him if the message was only for His twelve Apostles or for everyone. Jesus answered Peter's question with another parable:

(Luke 12:41–46 NKJV)  Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?" And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.

But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers."

The faithful and wise steward kept watch and was ready. When the Master returned, they received a huge promotion in his kingdom. In simple terms, those who are faithful in the temporary jobs they are given here on Earth will inherit permanent authority in eternity. This is also reinforced in the parable of the minas.

(Luke 19:15–19 NKJV)  "And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'

Yet, if that same servant had become naughty while the Master was away, then his return would catch them unprepared. The steward became a drunken glutton in the parable and beat the other servants. These stewards would be cut into two pieces and put with the unbelievers, and Jesus was speaking to the Apostle Peter. Oh my...

Could even an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ be accountable for their actions while the Master was away? Apparently so. After all, the Apostle Judas Iscariot was lost because of his bad choices (John 17:12, Acts 1:25). So if the servant got bored while waiting on the Master and began to do evil instead of good, well, they don't get a promotion when the Master returns. You can interpret the "will cut him in two, and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers" however you like, but it doesn't sound good to me.

My point is, who are you while the Master is away, when you believe no one is watching you? Are you living like the wise and faithful servant, or the bored slothful one? Does it matter? Apparently enough for Jesus and Peter to have a conversation about it. Whose word do we put above Christ's? No ones. May we never scratch through the words of Jesus and say they don't apply to His followers. That sounds stupid to even write, yet I see it commonly.

The Church is the pure and chaste Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2), waiting on the return of the Lord Jesus. What type of person are you while you wait? No one wants a spouse they can't trust while they are away. When you leave the house, they may invite other lovers over. Many places in Scripture compare the Lord and His people to a husband and wife. For example:

(Jeremiah 3:20 NKJV)  Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, So have you dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel," says the LORD.

Ancient Israel chased after "other" gods, but also tried to remain married to the Lord. They were unfaithful to Him, which eventually led to them being destroyed. Can the Lord trust you? Will you stay faithful to Him while He is away? The Apostle Paul wrote:

2 Corinthians 11:2–3 NASB)  For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

The Master is away, and we are waiting for His return. He is bringing His reward with Him. How you are living right now will determine what you receive from Him. We are expected to be doing good things:

- The Apostle Paul wrote: (Galatians 6:7–9 NKJV)  "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

- The Apostle John wrote:  (1 John 3:10) "Whoever who does not practice righteousness is not of God."

- James wrote:  (James 1:22 NKJV)  "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 2:18 NKJV) "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

- Jesus Christ said: (Luke 6:46 NKJV)  "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?"

Can we be forgiven for our sins? Absolutely! Yet, you can't wash a hog that is still actively rolling in the mud. They have to stop first. So let us become the faithful bride waiting on Christ to return. Let us stay alert and not be led astray by the enemy. We live for the day when He shall say:

(Matthew 25:21 NKJV) 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

You can pray this with me if you like:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being unfaithful at times, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Today, I want what You want. May Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. May Your kingdom come, and my kingdom go. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!