May 7Kingdom Responsibility

Luke 12:47-48 “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
 
WHEN people say, “Jesus loves everyone.”  are they including his words here? Did you know Jesus, the Servant Savior, has spoken these very hard words? He calls to account people who say, “I am a Christian.”  but do not live into Christ’s ways. Great punishment awaits those who have been taught much about the Lord’s words but refuse to respond to the Living Word.
    These are not new words from God to his chosen people. See our Lord speak similar words through the law and the prophets. From the law: Leviticus 26:18 “If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over.”  From a prophet: Amos 3:1-2 Hear this word the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel — against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt: 2 “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.”
    What is your response to God’s Word? Have you heard the Lord’s teachings, read his Bible, listened to sermons and understood his will? Then know you are held to a higher standard than the unbeliever. You are as the top aide to the President or Prime Minister. You know and are entrusted with very much strategic and life-influencing informaiton. If you fail to fulfill the leader’s will, you will possibly harm many people and certainly incur his wrath. It is the same with God. Perhaps you might think it would be better to know less of God. After all, those with less knowledge are punished less for their disobedience.
    But that is an unfaithful, irresponsible response. As the Lord has suffered and died for you, he has given all of himself for your life. He has called you into the Kingdom of God for eternal life. Your only response is to diligently seek wisdom and knowledge of God. You are to be a disciplined disciple, eager to faithfully do his words in the Spirit’s power. Why would anyone want less of God than all he has for us? How is it possible to say, “Don’t teach me too much, Lord?” 
    Jesus has spoken to direct and encourage you to obey him. This is the highest privilege of life on earth. Live gratefully. Rejoice repeatedly. Praise God passionately. You have heard the truth. You now have the privilege to live in the Kingdom of God.
 
Prayer: Psalms 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  Amen.