Today in God's Word—August 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
August 12, Luke 19
Zacchaeus was an unlikely prospect for discipleship. But the tax collector was eager to see Jesus, and responded with joyful obedience when Jesus called him down from the sycamore tree. When Jesus came into his home and life and called him a son of Abraham, Zacchaeus was a changed man. He committed himself to generous charity and strict repayment of any fraudulent collections.
Zacchaeus’ joy is set against the grumbling of some who were displeased (again) that Jesus was (again) associating with sinners. Jesus told them he was on task—he had come to seek and save the lost.
Jesus’ story about the nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom meant the kingdom was indeed coming, but not yet. The story showed the polarization between the subjects who were trusted servants, and the rebels who said, “We do not want this man to reign over us.” When the king returned, he rewarded the faithful and destroyed the enemies who rejected his authority. Jesus’ foes probably got the point.
Even among the servants in the story, there is a dichotomy. Some of them took the money the master gave them and made a remarkable return on it while he was gone. One had a 1000% increase, another 500%. Both were commended and rewarded for their faithful efforts. But the master was not so pleased with every servant. One brought back what he had been given without any return on the master’s investment. His fear kept him from acting, reflected an unhealthy attitude toward his master and robbed him of a reward.
I don’t know all God has given you to use in serving him and others. I do know you are accountable for what you do with what you received. He has also commissioned us to do business until he comes. Do not allow fear and a negative attitude toward the Lord to keep you
from serving him, being productive and receiving your reward!
I hope you are not bold enough to reject his rule over your life. He is Lord of all, whether we confess him or not. We will one day bow before him. We can do it now, be faithful servants and enjoy a reward. Or we can wait until we are forced to acknowledge him, when it will be too late to serve, and too late to be rewarded.
Our attitude toward grace will go a long way toward determining whether or not we’ll be willing, productive servants of God. Are you aware of his grace in your life? Do you find joy in knowing that Jesus came to seek and save people like us? Or do you grumble over love and mercy being shown to undeserving sinners? Let’s appreciate grace and be willing servants. The same grace that saves us will empower us to do what he calls us to do. Fear should not keep us from being faithful, productive servants.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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