“good and faithful servant… I will set you over much.”

Stories of a man hacking his wife to death for marital unfaithfulness are not uncommon in newspapers; sometimes this even happens to ‘friends’ not yet married! Such strong passion that flares like exposed potassium and ignites like petrol is ‘hereditary’; it is in man made in God’s image. God expresses possibilities of displaying such passion and unleashing its venom upon a land of unfaithful people who stray from “the terms of the covenant” (Deut 29:18-29).

The same passion is the source of unfailing love and care in a healthy relationship. Today’s passage seems to suggest that a faithful steward has to further discern the un-written terms of the covenant as well. Faithful stewardship is all about keeping the terms of the covenant, and even beyond that, reading correctly what the Master wants without him saying it. What you get out of it depends on how you respect the terms of the covenant.

It is a promise that as normal human eyes saw Jesus Christ ascend, we shall behold him come. He will be faithful to His covenant (his part). The faithful on earth respond, ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’, while some do not want to imagine what this would be like. But just like it was for the three stewards – two of whom were ready and the one only waited to cook up excuses – when He comes, accountability is demanded from all.

A true longing for the coming of the Lord can only reside in a heart washed, ready and sure to receive Him with fruit to show from faithful stewardship. Normal wives know this best when unexpected visitors arrive at home: the amount of panic that ensues is directly proportional to how unready she was. For those whose house is always set, they beam with joy at the surprise (with no pretense). Keeping the house ready is tough but necessary business. Is your heart ready and are you faithfully trading with the gifts you were entrusted? Will you be among those singled out to receive words of appreciation and conferred with a new name: “good and faithful servant”? Jesus say’s, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:12).

God bless you all.