FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2022
(Part 8)
PRUDENT STEWARDS
November 5, 2021
Today’s reading:
Romans 15:14-21
Psalm 98:1-4
Luke 16:1-8
We are nearing the end of the year, and our evangelistic work is starting to wind down. But our work of course continues, year in and year out, and so we are reminded of our theme for this year through today’s readings.
We have been commanded by God to be light to the Gentiles and instruments of salvation to the ends of the earth. This was Paul’s life until the end. He says of himself, “For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed” (Rom 15:18). He was totally focused and dedicated. He indeed brought God’s light to the Gentiles, as “a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in performing the priestly service of the gospel of God” (Rom 15:16a).
In doing so, Paul was an instrument of God’s salvation, such “that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the holy Spirit.” (Rom 15:16b). And Paul brought the gospel to the ends of the known world at that time, saying, “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the gospel of Christ.” (Rom 15:19b).
So this is our work, as authentic Christians and especially as MFC. This is such important work, as we have been made stewards of the very work of Christ and the very salvation that Jesus won for all. This salvation is the most valuable thing we have to offer to others. As such, let us not become “a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.” (Lk 16:1). If we do, woe to us. Our Master will tell us, “you can no longer be my steward.” (Lk 16:2b). We will lose our privileged place, and the very calling Jesus has extended to us.
Such a lapse becomes even more tragic as we see the need for responsible stewards, given the rampage of darkness and evil in the world today. The forces of the enemy are all out in their evil designs, always pushing forward the dominion of the evil one throughout the world. But how about God’s people? Unfortunately, “the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” (Lk 16:8b).
We must be about the work of the Kingdom. Our God is a victorious God. “His right hand and holy arm have won the victory.” (Ps 98:1b). But right now, the forces of the enemy are advancing rapidly. We need to stand and fight, as God’s holy warriors. God has already shown us the way, especially with Jesus winning the victory on the cross over death, sin and the devil. “The Lord has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations.” (Ps 98:2).
We evangelize and do mission to the ends of the earth. All must hear the gospel. “As it is written: ‘Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.’” (Rom 15:21). Then it would be that “all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.” (Ps 98:3b).
