© by Joyce C. Lock
When you read the scripture, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him, much shall be required" (Lu. 12:48), do you think of a pastor who walks and talks with God ... or a professor, abounding in knowledge? Maybe you think of a gospel singer, who's voice surely must be likened unto an angel ... or a musician, who's hands touch the heart of God. Perhaps someone in prominent places comes to mind (positions of prosperity, power, and such).
But did you count those saved from near death, those who's homes have been restored, those who've received the miracle of healing, or those saved from financial ruin?
Did you count those with food on their table, a roof over their head, someone to love, and a pillow for their bed?
Did you count those born, in this day and time, in a country where we still have freedoms ... to consider the privilege of education and worship, to work and provide for your own, to have privacy and ownership?
Did you count that Christ died for you, sent the Holy Spirit to be with you and in you, and gave His Holy Word that you could discover for yourself the truths to your rich inheritance?
If you can consider that you've been given much, then might this verse have also been written for you?
"And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes ... for unto whomsoever much is given, of him, much shall be required." Paying very special attention to Jesus' words, you may notice He didn't say God would beat you. Could it be that you would've done it to yourself?
The purpose of this series is to encourage people to live as loving,
compassionate, and peacemaking children of God: Jesus tells us to pray, "Thy
kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) God
tells us through Micah (6:8), "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what
does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk
humbly with your God." And we know from Revelation 21:4 that there will be no
more mourning, or crying, or pain, or death. Thus, Christian living requires us
to set the standards of these conditions here on earth for our fellow human
beings, and for the other animals, as a witness to the rest of the world. To do
otherwise is not Christian.
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