What an interesting way to end our “end times” discussion–to be cut up in pieces and put in a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. First of all, what is gnashing of teeth? We’ve heard it as the undesirable fate of the unrighteous at the end of the age. To be unrighteous is to be separated from God. It’s like grinding your teeth due to unimaginable anguish and grief.
That’s what I imagine it will be like for all the people who don’t believe. You know, they would be those ones who are scoffing now at Jesus’ warning to be ready. They are really going to wish they had rethought their actions and their decisions. God wanted them to be included but they chose not to listen. I bet they are going to want a “do-over.” Oh the anguish!
You know what it feels like when you make a wrong decision. Perhaps you’ve done something you are sorry for and regret. It may have even been an innocent mistake, but when you realize your error, it’s too late. There is a feeling of dread, of remorse, of regret, of overwhelming sadness. I’m sure you can think of a time right now. Missing out on eternity with Jesus would be that magnified.
So today, we read Jesus’ account of a servant/master relationship. When a master gives his servant a job to do that requires the utmost of trust, the servant has the option to be loyal and take care of things or be disobedient and take advantage. The latter is the one who needs to beware of a future of darkness and anguish. What does that say to us?
We need to be obedient and care for what we are given. When we behave in this way, we have nothing to be ashamed of; we will be rewarded. Doesn’t that sound like the better option? Reward vs. Anguish.
What do you think about people who have said, it’s okay if I live me life the way I want to so long as I don’t get caught.” Or perhaps others are a bit put out when they have lived their whole life being obedient and then watch someone who has been evil their whole life finally clean up their act at or near their death bed. Can you relate?
We need to focus on our own obedience, our own attitudes. We shouldn’t be trying to “push the limit.” That is exactly what Jesus is warning us against here. We need to be faithful. I don’t know about you, but I want to be faithful. I know I’m not perfect, I know I’m a sinner, but I know that I’m trying to be what God wants from me.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for your warnings. May I heed them and be obedient to you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. You are my rock and my redeemer. I want to be resting in you and your truths for this life and the one to come. May your kingdom have no end. Use me to help others to see you and trust you. May my own faithfulness continue to grow. Thank you for your example and for your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
