◄ The Faithful and Wise Servant ►

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season?”
Matthew 24:45

A Faithful Servant

What a lovely picture of the judicious and faithful servant of the Lord. How we all would hope to be like this wise, trustworthy, and dedicated steward. He is to provide spiritual food and nourishment to those entrusted into his care:- “Feed my lambs…” John 21:15 He is to feed the little flock, given into His charge with the whole council of God:- “Feed my sheep…” John 21:16. He is to give his fellow-servants their portion of food in due season:- “Feed my sheep…” John 21:17

A Blessed Servant

How blessed is this faithful, trustworthy, dedicated servant of the Lord. The Lord Himself tells us: “Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he comes shall find so doing.” Luke 12:43. How illuminating it is to reflect on the words of the apostle in Luke 12. Peter asks the Master if He is speaking to the disciples, or the unsaved. “Lord, are you speaking in this parable to us, or to everyone?” Luke 12:41

Consequences of Worldliness

Only a few verses earlier Christ warned them of the consequences of worldliness – chiding them for their worldly outlook and prompting them to, “lay up treasure in heaven…. for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Luke 21:34

Christian Preparedness

Jesus then gives a clear outline of what wise Christian preparedness is. He is the faithful servant – the trustworthy servant that feeds the household of God. He’s the wise steward, who gently nurtures and tends for the little flock in his care. He is the one that feeds the Lord’s lambs and tends the Lord’s sheep. What an incredible privilege and what an awesome and formidable responsibility.

Necessary Warnings

Taking care of the household of the Lord is vital in these last days. The family of God needs to be fed, cared for, encouraged, uplifted, edified, yet the family of God also needs to be warned. Whatever the situation in your life and whatever the conditions in mine. we would do well to recognise the favour and duty laid on our shoulders.

Little Flock

Each of us have a little flock, whom the Lord has entrusted into our care. It may be one tiny little lamb or perhaps a flock of wandering sheep! But each of us have been called upon to tend some part of the Master's vineyard. And most have been entrusted into the care of an under-shepherd’ Christ being the Chief Shepherd as well as being our Good, Great Shepherd.

Burden of Responsibility

May we each carry out our burden of responsibility as wise and faithful servants. May we each recognise the strain of the task laid on the one who cares for us. “Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when He cometh, shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that He will make him ruler over all that he hath.” Matthew 24:46