Kingdom Steward

Matthew 16:19 “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.”
 
IMAGINE you are working for a very rich and powerful person. Her knowledge is key to the business’ beginning, growing and prospering. You have worked closely with her on many projects and have learned much from her. Then, suddenly one day, she turns to you and says, “I give you the key knowledge you need to run the business. I will be leaving you soon, and you will have the responsibility and authority to use my knowledge for my business.” She would be demonstrating her great favor over you to give you such responsibility.
   That is essentially what Jesus told his disciples. Declaring, “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus informed the disciples they will have the key knowledge to steward – guard and use wisely –  the will of God to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. His parables of the talents (Matthew 25) and minas (Luke 19) also speak of the stewardship responsibility the Lord Jesus bestows upon us. Consider God’s remarkable favor over you! His will is to entrust you – once a sinner, now a saint – to guard the gospel truth against deceit and destruction.
   The apostles’ teaching will be foundational to Jesus’ church. God’s Word will unlock people’s hearts from sin’s bondage. Also, in a frightening way we seldom consider, God’s gospel will also exclude or lock people from the Kingdom as they refuse to confess Christ. The Word is the life-giving key. Jesus will reveal his Heaven through the Spirit, and the disciples will speak God’s favor. The King’s authority will prevail.
   Now, there’s just one thing. Do you accept the favor of God’s keys to the Kingdom? Are you willing to take the responsibility with joy and purpose? Do you confess Christ in the same way as Peter in Matthew 16:16 “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
   Jesus has given you a great command with great blessing. Use your God-given key to help build Jesus’ church as he has gifted you.
 
Matthew 25:23 His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”