Bible Reading Blog
“Faithful Stewards”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Luke 16
“There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ (Luke 16.1-2)
Things don’t end well for this manager; but before dismissal, he makes shrewd choices to reposition himself in the good graces of the master and others. He calls his master’s debtors and makes them a deal to recoup some of the debt (16.7). His choices even impress his master (16.8).
The nuances of this parable are difficult to decipher, but a clear point is made regarding stewardship. The master would not allow this dishonest manager to waste his possessions or continue operating under his name. When called to account, we see a glimpse of what the master expected from his manager all along.
Jesus concludes this parable with some principles we must remember as we go through life.
The principle of ownership. Luke 16.12 plainly states that we are handling someone else’s stuff in hopes of one day having our own. The psalmist reminds us “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24.1). Our money, our possessions, our children and families, our jobs, even our own bodies and lives do not belong to us. We might be tempted to say: “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8.17). But Deuteronomy 8:18 counsels us to think otherwise: “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
The principle of responsibility. The manager couldn’t just do what he wanted with the master’s possessions. His wastefulness was an affront to the master and was addressed plainly. In the same way, we must understand our responsibility in this life. Remember Jesus’ statement in Mark 12.17: “render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and to God the things which are God’s”? What things are God’s? We know. We belong to the Lord and should steward everything, even our own lives, in ways that benefit him.
The principle of accountability. God always gives with expectation. Think Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25.14-30; Luke 19.11-2). He’s going to come looking for growth and stewardship. He’s going to expect we are thoughtfully handling the things put into our care. If you were called to account for how you’ve handled your finances and your family, would God find you faithful? If asked how you’ve used the talents he has entrusted, would you be found benefitting the Master’s cause?
The principle of reward. Jesus drives towards a clear hope for all: that God would give us true riches for our faithfulness. This is what he has promised. We all should long to hear the master say what he exclaims in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
We need to be faithful stewards of all God has given us within the opportunities presented through his providence to glorify him, serve the common good and further his Kingdom.
