Luke 19:11-27 The True King Is Coming, So Be Ready

While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.  So He said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.  And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’  But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’  When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done.  The first appeared, saying, ‘Master, your mina has made ten minas more.’  And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’  The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’  And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’  Another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept put away in a handkerchief;  for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’  He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?  Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and having come, I would have collected it with interest?’  Then he said to the bystanders, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’  And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas already.’  I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.  But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”

The lesson to be gained from today’s lesson is recognition of the True  King over his people.  Whether the king is standing in our midst or currently away, Jesus is still king and His return is certain.  On that day, which is the day of his return, how will he find us?

Will we be busy about His business or sluggards who are enemies of the king?  Jesus is telling us now, that those who are faithful to Him in His absence will be rewarded upon His return.  But those who are His enemies and found to be slack about His business, these will be openly punished and will inherit no reward.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Satan is always on the prowl seek those who he may devour.  He tries to convince us that You are not returning and to follow the ways of the world.

Protect us from the enemy and place in us faithful hearts who hear, believe, and do what is pleasing in Your sight.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.