In Matthew 24 Jesus talks about the end times. And how that day will come like a thief and how in the days of Noah, life went on as it always did, and no one expected the rain.
Jesus proceeds to paint these pictures to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like and what this life is to look like, so that we can live on purpose.
“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. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 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. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:45-51
There is this common theme in these parables where the master gathers his servants, gives them duties and responsibilities, and then leaves. The master returns after a long time, gathers his servants and they must give an account of their dealings and then they are either rewarded or punished.
There are 3 parts to the break down of this theme:
1 – The master gives clear duties and responsibilities. Responsibility gives you the authority and permission to make decisions and take action to fulfill your duties.
2 – What you do. Your duties are knowledge of what you are responsible for. The reality that the master is gone for a long time is real. It is easy to get distracted and lose focus on why you are doing what you are doing. This is why it is so important to review your vision and purpose. Review what God has said, to ensure you stay on course, on purpose.
3 – You will give an account. You will be held accountable for what you were given and put in charge of. With the duties and responsibility you are given, there is expectation and demand, of growth, increase, and function. These expectations are not unreasonable, they are proof of a wise and faithful servant. If these duties are neglected there is decrease, disorder and malfunction.
None of this is to bring about fear, doubt, or worry. This is about purpose, life’s meaning, correct perspective on what this life is actually about. In Luke 12 you will find this same parable and in verse 48 it goes like this: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
The point is this. We are a people of ability. What you have been called to do, you have also been given the ability to do. You hold the very presence of God. Bearing fruit is proof of abiding in Jesus. And it is proof that you are a disciple.