Matthew 24:45-46 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
This picture is taken from life in a household, where servants are entrusted with responsibilities in the master’s absence. It’s an object lesson about the kingdom of God. In the first part of the story, the servant is faithful and diligent. When the master returns, he finds the servant doing what he was assigned, and he rewards him appropriately. The servant is described as wise and faithful, and he senses the joy of his master’s approval.
But then the scene changes.
Instead of continuing in his duty, the servant lets down his guard. He begins to mistreat the other servants and lives carelessly.
“He then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.” (Matthew 24:49). His thinking shifts, he says to himself: "There’s still time. The master won’t be back for a while."
Author William Barclay tells the story of three demons with plan to ruin people.
One said, “I will tell them there is no God.” The devil said that would not work because they all know there is a God.
The second said, “I will tell them there is no hell.” Again, the devil said that would not work, they all know hell is real.
The third said, “I will tell them there is no hurry.” Yes, the devil said, that will work. Go, you will ruin thousands of men and women. They will believe the most dangerous delusion of all, “there is no hurry.”
Matthew 24:50-51: “The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour, he is not aware of.”
This other is called wicked and is punished. There is no hurry, until it’s too late.
What do you think?
Junior Spooner is the pastor of Kinnaird Church of God.
