Fear and hide.... or Kingdom come....
This morning I was pondering
'Fear of God'
Old Testament tells me that without it I will not gain wisdom
or carry out life well. See Ps 111:10, Pv 1:7
New Testament also reminds me that it is a part of a 'healthy'
view of God... see 2 Cor 7:1, 1 Peter 2:17
Jesus tells a parable about 3 guys who are given resources;
- two of them invest
and multiply their master's money,
- one hides it
and brings it back 'intact' when it is time. See Luke 19:11-27
The interesting thing is that HE
the one who 'failed'
was the guy who feared the master!
and doesn't really tell us what the others feelings were towards the master.
What is bubbling in my brain is;
What part does fear play
in my relationship with God?
Is is a motivator?
- Stop sinning or God will get mad...
Is it a paralyzer?
- Hide the money so it will be there when demanded of me...
or does it make me want to fight back?
- Rebel, do my own thing....
Hmmm....
None of those sound particularly where I want to go
in my relationship with God....
So it makes me wonder
What was the relationship of the other two to the master?
the ones who 'did well'....
- they were super Respectful
- they were probably / possibly Thankful
- they were motivated.
Makes me wonder what that was going on there...
Fear
Respect
Love
Admiration
Thankfulness
This is a parable
not a story of real people
it is a story to teach a point.
The King had some expectations
Minimum return was to be 'interest'
Those who do well would receive even more
Those who cringed and 'hid the resources' entrusted to them
would lose.
Big time.
And Jesus says
This is a picture of one of the facets of the
Kingdom that is coming.
Lord,
Walk me through that...
what I base our relationship on.
what motivates me....
Teach me..
...You are friend
but You are also
King
Saviour
Creator.
How do I need to carry that?
knowing I have You inside
and You invite me into
multiplying Your resources
for the Kingdom...
Thank You Jesus.
I know you will....
for Your
Kingdom
will come.
Yes.
PJ