THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 19:11-27
“The people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.” (Luke 19:11)
Travelling preachers will often use the same stories again in differing contexts.
This parable sounds the same as the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
But on this occasion He was talking to those who expected God’s kingdom soon.
His point is that it will take a while, so we should be productive while we wait.
“Those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them…” (Luke 19:27)
The ending of this parable shows what is at stake in how we live while we wait.
How we live is a sign of our allegiance, how we are responding to the soon-to-be king.
Jesus is this soon-to-be king, and how we live shows where our allegiance lies.
Some wonder why Jesus does not return sooner, but He is waiting for a reason.
One reason is so that the salvation message can go to all nations.
But here Jesus suggests that this is also a time to prove ourselves.
He has equipped us as servants and soldiers in His kingdom, will we join Him?
Now is the time to show whether we truly want Him as king over us.
Am I investing my blessings for my king, am I truly loyal to Him and His cause?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this is the time for me to show my position – am I for You or against You? All that I am and all that I have is FROM You. Will I devote all that I am and all that I have FOR You?
The king trusted the servants with his money.
God entrusts us with the gifts He gave us.
How do we use them for His service? For Kingdom work.
As a Christian I need to live for Jesus. I need to use the gifts I have or lose them.
I am either a stepping stone for the building of His kingdom or a stumbling block. My heart’s desire must be to serve Him with the gifts given.
All for Jesus.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
For it’s only in Your will that I am free,
For it’s only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.