“Who is Wise and Faithful?”

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

BIBLE READING: Luke 12.35-48

The way things are in our world, faithfulness is rare. Our culture supports the pursuit of the immediate and trendy, conditioning hearts and minds to move from thing to thing and person to person without much thought. We are encouraged to try activities and friendships on like clothing to find the right fit. And though there’s nothing wrong with searching for the talents and relationships that will allow us grow, we must plant the seeds of faithfulness in our heart.

Faithfulness is the basic calling of every believer. After all, “we are saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2.8). “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11.6). It is fundamental and critical; but do we understand the expected fruit of faithfulness? Jesus instructs us with a parable in Luke 12.35-48.

“Who then in the wise and faithful manager?” (Luke 12.42). It is someone…

• …Always ready to serve the master (Luke 12.36). These men had a “mundane” role, but they were ready the moment the master knocked on the door.  They were waiting and prepared to do what the master employed them to do. We must understand our role as servants (Luke 17.10) and always be prepared to serve, even in the most mundane ways. This requires determination to stay…
• …Awake and aware (Luke 12.37). Faithful people aren’t lulled into apathy. They aren’t looking for ‘better’ opportunities to fulfil their wants. They are determined to fulfil their role and make the best use of their time (Ephesians 5.14-17). Notice these faithful servants don’t indulge in thoughtless pleasure like others (12.45b). They don’t presume they’ll have another opportunity (12.45a). They don’t presume they know what the master is up to (12.46). They have their mind fixed on what the master wants from them.
• …Doing what they know is right (Luke 12.43). They don’t put off their work. They don’t let their desires get the best of them. They rise to the expectation, understanding the calling and purpose of the master (12.48b). They are stewards and the right thing to do is to honor the master with faithful service. As Paul would remind you and me, we are stewards, and it is required that stewards be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4.1-2)

It’s important to note that Jesus packages his answer in the context of the reward (Luke 12.42-44). It is the faithful who will be rewarded, blessed and served by the master himself (Luke 12.37b)! This should be obvious but sends a clear message: faithfulness is not optional. We have been called to faithfulness by the One who is faithful to always do what he says (Deuteronomy 7.9; 2 Thessalonians 3.3; Hebrews 10.23). It is by his faithfulness and our efforts to imitate it that we experience forgiveness of sins (Proverbs 16.6). And so, “let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3.3-4).

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