Spotlight on the Master
Today we turn the spotlight on the master in the parable. We learnt previously that the master in this parable represents God. How can we be certain of this?
We know this from the way Jesus begins the parable:
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.
Matthew 25:14
‘Again’ implies the fact that Lord was continuing a conversation, which in this case, begins in the first verse of Matthew 25:
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
The Lord was drawing a picture of the operations of the kingdom of heaven using parables. If He is referencing the kingdom of heaven, then we know that by default, the master is actually God. And this is emphasised by the definition of ‘master’ (kurios) as used in this parable:
he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding :master, lord.
Proof He is Master
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world and all that dwell therein.
Psalm 24:1
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:8
A Special Type of Master
The term master usually has a negative conotation in today’s times. But, God is not like any known human master. He is a special master because of who He is, His nature i.e. Love
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8
Therefore His character as the Master found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And because of His character, He is not an evil master. He is not a slave driver. He does not require from you what He has not equipped you to do. And most of all, He does not force you to accept Him as Master over your life.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served before the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15
Your Turn
The Lord today gives you a choice…to either have Him or reject Him as your master. You can be born again and yet refuse to submit to His Lordship over your life.
Often times, we want the benefits of sonship and friendship with God, but not the responsibility of servanthood.
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].
Matthew 6:24
But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
Matthew 6:33
Next week, we shall look at the obligations of the Master in ensuring you live the life of fruitfulness He has called you to do ☺