Work Till I Come

The New Year is a time of anticipation. We also need direction, and this parable gives it. The story of a ruler leaving his territory for some time in order to receive promotion was well known in Jesus' day. Obviously, he was alluding to himself. Like the servants in the parable we do not see our Master. But we do have the instructions he has given. There are other influences that challenge Christ's influence over us, so his absence forces us to make a choice - Who will we serve? Jesus has been made Lord and Christ. He rules over his church and in the world. He is building up God's Kingdom in the church. That requires brotherly love on the part of his people so they will use his gifts for the common good. We therefore have privileges and responsibilities. We have a Saviour - what shall we do with him? We have a heavenly Master - how shall we honour him? We have the church, of which we are part - how shall we build it up? We have a perishing world around us - how shall we bring Christ's mercy to it? Like the man in the parable - Jesus will return. Then the Person they despised will be honoured. The work of serving him will be seen as the only work that lasts. His enemies will be dismissed into hell. Those who have honoured him, he will honour. As we think about the coming year let us heed the voice of Christ our Saviour who tells us to work for him until he returns.