What Will You Be Doing?

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about what you have planned for today. Ask God to show you what it would mean for you to live each day as His faithful servant.

“That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded.”—Matthew 24:46

Read Matthew 24:45-51.

God’s timing is not like your timing (2 Pet. 3:8-9). He is not late in sending Christ to bring you back to Him, but is patient with those who have not yet repented, giving them a chance to return to Him.

Relate this parable to your life. Draw a picture or write a few words to describe what you would be doing if you were the faithful servant, working when Christ returns, and what you would be doing as the wicked servant, taking advantage of Jesus’ delay and pursuing sinful things.

 

The faithful servant                          The wicked servant

 

What does this parable teach you about what is really important? About how you should spend your life?

Respond

A faithful person is someone you can rely on. Faithful people are dependable, meaning they keep their promises. God is the perfect model of absolute faithfulness, even with extremely disobedient people.

-List the qualities of faithfulness mentioned above. Do you have some of those qualities? Pray that God would help you grow in faithfulness.

-Does this parable scare you? Challenge you? Encourage you? Take a look at your life and the qualities you listed above. God knows your heart, so be honest with Him about the areas you struggle with. Journal a prayer confessing your unfaithfulness. Ask God to show you where He wants you to be working.

-Consider where you stand before Jesus. He died on a cross for your sins and invited you to spend eternity with Him. Have you accepted that invitation?

For further study, read Matthew 7:24.

Behind the Story

The word “delayed” in verse 48, actually means “is staying away a long time.” Historically, Bible scholars related this to God’s patience in delaying Christ’s return. Like the slave who acted irresponsibly (v. 49), many people believe they have plenty of time to repent, but will likely be caught unaware and unprepared on the day Christ returns.[1]

The Point

God’s judgment is sure, and the timing of Jesus’ return is unknown. A day will come when it will be too late to repent.

 

 

[1] Craig L. Blomberg, New American Commentary – Volume 22: Matthew, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1992), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 368.

 

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions