MEDITATIONS FROM THE PARABLES OF JESUS
THE GOOD MAN OF THE HOUSE
AND THE WISE AND UNWISE SERVANTS
Read Matthew 24:42-51
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Jesus Christ could return to judge the living and the dead at any time. He could come today, next week, next year, or in the next century. We do not know the day or the hour of Jesus' return, but we are to be watching and ready for that Day! Jesus told two parables to warn against being unwatchful and unprepared.
If a man knew at what time a thief was coming, he would have been ready and watching; he would not have allowed his home to be broken into. So also, a Christian who knows that his Lord could return at any time will not permit that Day to come upon him like an unexpected thief. He will be ready and watching, having faith in Christ Jesus his Savior and, as a fruit of that faith, living his life for his Lord. Those trusting in Christ for salvation will not be condemned at His return; they will inherit the eternal blessings of His heavenly kingdom.
As servants of Christ--especially those placed over God's household to feed and nourish their fellow-believers with the Word of God--we are to be faithful in our service to the Lord Jesus Christ. If, as a fruit of saving faith in Jesus Christ, we are found faithfully serving our Lord when He returns on the Last Day, we shall be graciously rewarded. But if we are like the evil servant who says in his heart, "My lord delayeth his coming," and if we continue in sin, our Lord will return in a day and hour when we are not expecting Him. Then we will have our "portion with the hypocrites" where "there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," for one cannot have true faith in Christ and also continue willfully in sin.
O Christ, who diedst and yet dost live, to me impart Thy merit; my pardon seal, my sins forgive, and cleanse me by Thy Spirit. Beneath Thy cross I view the day when heav'n and earth shall pass away, and thus prepare to meet Thee. Amen. (TLH, Hymn #604, Verse 4)