Servants in Charge

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.” Mark 13:32-36

Leading up to His death, Jesus used many parables to prepare His disciples for what was to come. He called for alertness and understanding. Their season of waiting for His promised return and resolution of history as they knew it, difficult in His presence to comprehend, was never to stagnate. They must be vigilant to watch and diligent in work, making the most of every day’s gift.

Wisely, and kindly, God the Father prepares us for the future no one knows. It is not ours to be familiar with the details of how and when, but to be industrious and committed in the what God has assigned and Who we’re serving with our efforts. He alone knows what is to come. He assigns and orders places and situations and responsibilities to work in and through us what will bring about His ends. We have been created by Him and entrusted to serve Him and His intentions with diligence and by faith. We are to be bold in witness, and resisting temptation. How intentional, careful, and faithful are we to this charge? (Mark 14:29-31,37-38; Acts 17:24-28)

In appointed work and ministry, do we apply ourselves to thoroughness and excellence? In relationships at home, in church, in community, are we thoughtful, generous, unselfish? Where is the Lord convicting us to take more deliberation or care, to give attention to attitude, tone of voice, skimping on commitment, finishing tasks?

In order to know and tend to our work well, we must be in the word and the regular flow of God’s will and fellowship. We need accountability, admonition, refining. We must see our work on earth as service to God, and take charge of given responsibilities, seeing them through to completion. Are there times we’re tempted to stop short, cut corners, give in to sloth? How can we refresh a sense of high calling, and what steps can we take to take our service to God more seriously?

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never-dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will! 

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, help me take every charge seriously and sacredly, for Your kingdom’s sake and the praise of Your glory.