45 “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? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 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. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The Lord Jesus here gives us yet another warning regarding His Second Advent in our verses for today. He contrasts those keenly anticipating His arrival with those who are unprepared and caught off guard – the faithful and the faithless. Those ready for His return will find it comforting and happy yet for those who are not longing for His appearing – who willingly choose flesh over faithfulness – His coming will be very dismal and dreadful. He represents these two with the terms of the good and the bad servants.
The faithful servants are those who use their vessels to carry the Gospel to their spheres of influence through their words and actions. They are trustworthy in their duty. They go about bringing the light, the salt and the Truth of the good news to each encounter and every opportunity presented - without respect to persons. They are guides for the blind, comforters for the hurting, encouragers for the downtrodden, and they nourish the hungry soul with the sound and wholesome food of God’s Truth. They bring the hands and feet and mouth of Jesus to others – seeking Christ’s honor rather than their own. They bestow blessings and peace as they constantly carry Jesus to the scene in their jars of clay. Honesty and wisdom are the faithful’s constant companions. These servants continue to persevere in this holy work until the Lord returns or He takes them to be with Him – whichever comes first. Peter describes the actions of the faithful in the following way:
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
"God does not honor men and women and their deeds or their books or their organizations. The Father in heaven delights to honor His Son. It is only the Life of the Lord Jesus - His activity, clothed with you and displayed through you - that ultimately will find the approval of God." Major Ian Thomas
Jesus also tells us that it is good for Him to find us faithful upon His return. Those, He states, will be given greater honor and glory which far outweighs any paste gems this world offers. The faithful who thus distinguish themselves so will on that great day be dignified and distinguished by the Lord Jesus. We never out give God. Also, it serves us well to remember that the One who gives the power and ability is the One who deserves all the glory and honor – hence we lay our crowns at His feet.
Next the Lord describes the faithless – the vilest of creatures is a wicked man and the vilest of men is a feigned Christian – a hypocrite – one wearing a mask of piety. The delay in Christ’s return – though it is a great display of His mercy and kindness in desiring none to perish but all to come to repentance – is, to these wicked men, an opportunity to greatly abuse His patience. These faithless are slaves to their passions and appetites disgustingly persecuting others under the pretense of the Master’s authority. Yet, their putting off the thoughts of the Master’s return will not put off His sure coming – no matter how they fancy deluding themselves. The coming of Jesus will be a dreadful surprise to the confident and careless sinner as He will come when they least expect it and then repentance will be too late. “Weeping and gnashing of teeth” – the soul’s tribulation and anguish under God’s indignation and wrath - are in store for those who persist in these ways. He, who is now the Savior, will then be the Judge. The everlasting state of the children of men will be as He appoints.
15 “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” Rev 16:15 (NIV)
“You cannot be your own Saviour, either in whole or in part.” Hudson Taylor
“God is the God of promise. He keeps His Word, even when that seems impossible.” Colin Urquhart