Let’s get to it…

There are 3 parables about stewards and masters that Randy Alcorn references.  They are the parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13), the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), and the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11-27).

From these, he draws out lessons concerning the Master & the Steward.

Today let’s chat about lessons concerning the Master:

1.  His ownership – the Master is the true owner of all assets.  He has the right to do with everything as he wishes.

2.  His power – the Master’s will is authoritative, his decisions determinative.  Behind his words there is ultimate power.

3.  His trust – [The Master’s delegation of significant assets and authority] indicates a level of trust in [his servants’] ability to manage them.

4.  His expectations – He has every right to expect his stewards to do what he’s told them.

5.  His absence – [There is] delayed accountability.  It’s a test of each servant to see if the master’s standards are maintained even though he isn’t there to give immediate reward or correction.

6.  His return – the master will come back…likely when least expected.

7.  His generosity – Although he has a right to expect the servant to do what he commanded without a reward, the master graciously promises reward and promotion to the steward who has been faithful.

8.  His strictness – The master’s instructions were reasonable, and he’s not one to accept excuses. 

(Money, Possessions and Eternity, pg. 147)

I think all these points can reference back to the question posed last time: 

What do you think are the tasks delegated to us as New Testament Believers according to the Word?

If we are the stewards and He is the Master, we need to know what He expects!

I can think of so many things referenced in the New Testament:

Love your enemies, pray without ceasing, care for orphans and widows, give freely, keep in step with the Spirit, go and make disciples of all nations, run your race, keep yourself from idols, persevere under trial, put off the old self, let your light shine, deny self and take up cross, renew your mind, ask for wisdom, practice hospitality, submit to authority, throw off the sin that so easily entangles.

But, as our Brilliant Master pointed out, the Main Thing is to Love God and Love People.

Is this the lens through which you see your spending?  Loving God and loving people? 

More next time!