Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
– Matthew 24:45-47
The wise and faithful servant is described as a giver. He gives the master’s household it’s food at a proper time.
If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10b,11,12
Paul’s patience wears thin with these busybodies…but he still considers them brothers. He employs the method of “tough love” as the charity of other brothers have been taken advantage of. Paul’s command goes out to other brothers, not seeking to cause division in treating another as an enemy, but to rightly divide the situation as brothers…as family.
This verse hurts me right now…For I am in a similar situation as the church in Thessalonica. I woke up this morning angered at one of my workers who does not work. Constantly deadlines are crossed and clients have even mentioned these things to me. I do not feel anger often, and I find myself not knowing how to process these things. I communicated with those that I trust for prayer and counsel; namely Larry and Isaiah. This proved helpful, as earlier this morning I would have gladly demanded an execution…this thankfully, is no longer the case. I would have treated this busybody as enemy #1 instead of recognizing the pain and fears causing great anger to be aroused.
Lord help me in this place…I am hurt and fearful…help me to treat others the way you treat me.
Amen
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. – John 4:34
The nourishment of work; one becomes satisfied in the completion of Gods will.
My satisfaction is found when I complete the work that the Father has set before me. A warrior can receive the greatest comfort and spoils only after fighting the war. Training is over, though lessons will continue to be learned…but now arises the season of the warrior. The man raised into the image of the God of war, shaped to fight, created to battle by the heavenly orders given him. This is my food; my battles are what fuel the need to strive, to fight, to exist, and to find that which is worth fighting for.
Lord give me your Holy orders. Show me what I’m fighting for. Strengthen me as a warrior, created in your image “Dread Champion”. Amen
Scripture)
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
-2 Corinthians 9:10
Observation)
Paul presents the concept of the seed and sower. A sower who casts much seed on the ground reaps much. However we have a different view presented in verse ten…the view of the supplier. The supplier is able to provide the necessities for work and energy (the seed and food for the workers). First and foremost this represents the view of God as a provider but even more so the part he plays as an equipper of grace. Seed is multiplied as the harvest grows, and the workers too, their knowledge of the field increases.
Application)
Just as God is an equipper, I must be as well…especially within the care of ministry. Supplying workers with seed (the word of God) and the food (sometimes even literal) is necessary to go about the work set before us. Continually growing in knowledge of the field and workers in order to grow others, giving advantage to all who work the field alongside. Ultimately multiplying all that I have been given for the sake of the harvest.
Prayer)
Lord help grow me in your grace. Show me where to spread seed and who to equip with the knowledge you have supplied. Give me wisdom to know my limits and help my heart to be refreshed in you.
Amen
Mudpies & innocent bystanders 