Today’s Reading

I Samuel 4-6; Luke 12:35-59

Selected Verses

And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the Lord. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the Lord had struck the people with a great blow. Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?” 1 Samuel 6:19-20

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. Luke 12:48

Reflections

God holds people responsible according to what they have received from Him. We are to be stewards of God’s truth and God’s gifts.

The Israelites had entered into a covenant with God in which they were His unique people in all the earth (Exodus 19:1-6). God revealed His law to them which included instructions about the priesthood, the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the offering of sacrifices. The Ark of the Covenant was to be kept in the most holy place in the tabernacle where God met with the high priest on the Day of Atonement each year.

But in the days of the judges everyone did what was right in their own eyes. In that spirit, the priests allowed the ark to be carried onto the battlefield as they fought against their enemies, the Philistines. The plan backfired. The Philistines won the battle and stole the ark. God would not allow Himself to be manipulated or what He declared sacred to be desecrated. Rather, God held His people responsible for what they had been given.

Peter asked Jesus who He was targeting with the parable about the servants waiting for their master. “Was it for the twelve or for the crowds?”, he queried. In His typical fashion, Jesus redirects Peter’s mind to his own responsibility and away from that of others. In essence, Jesus tells him “everyone is responsible for what they have been given, so be concerned about what you have and what you do with what you have.”

Think about it

Jesus has promised to return. Meanwhile, God has given us truth to apply, gifts to use, and opportunities to serve Him as we wait. Be faithful and responsible today with what you have for His glory.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission