Word for the day by Christian Education forum
Priesthood: Faithful Stewardship
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning ….”
A Priest is called and chosen by God to be a faithful steward of the spiritual riches God has put in his care for the benefit of others. The Apostle Peter describes every member of the Body of Christ as belonging to the Royal Priesthood ( 1 Peter 2.9). In Luke 12: 35-48 Jesus exhorts his listeners to be dressed and keep their lamps burning. This speaks of preparedness and also of watchfulness.
Be Prepared and watchful (vs.35-40): Jesus invites his listeners to live in such a consistently moral and obedient way that they would be ready to give an account to God of how they have lived. There is however more here. Servants need to be devoted to their tasks, refusing to let distractions, fatigue, or delay divert them from their duties. They must make the fulfillment of what their master has asked them to do their highest obligation and their greatest concern. In short, it means a complete devotion to Jesus and the kingdom tasks he has given his followers. The believer is exhorted to be as faithful to Jesus as devoted slaves were to their masters and to be concerned with the work of the kingdom as a servant left to watch the door of the master’s house until he returns.
Reward and Punishment (vs. 42-48): The warnings and promises about rewards and punishments remind us that the laws of responsibility and reward apply in our relationship to God just as in other areas of life. Those who are faithful will be given greater privileges and responsibilities, while persons who neglect their responsibilities will have their privileges and responsibilities taken from them. This passage has a special relevance for those to whom the church entrusts the responsibilities of leadership. More will be expected from persons who handle sacred matters, interpret God’s word, serve priestly and prophetic functions, and set an example of faith and morality for both church and society.
God’s mercy makes allowances for those who do not know what is expected of them. But the most severe punishment is reserved for persons who are entrusted with great responsibilities and who then high handedly and irresponsibly mistreat others and fail the trust given to them by their Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your grace that has made us members of the royal priesthood. Help us to be faithful stewards of the gifts and blessings that we have received. Strengthen us in body, mind and spirit that we may be completely devoted to You Lord, and to the Kingdom tasks. Amen.
Thought for the Day: “Do we live lives holy and set apart as part of a royal priesthood”?
Rev. George Cherian, Youth chaplain, Mid-west region