Luke 12:39-48
39 “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

41 Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”

42 And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 43 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 44 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 45 But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 46 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

47 “And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. 48 But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Dear God, maybe I’ve noticed verse 41 before, but if I have I’ve forgotten it. Peter’s question is interesting, but Jesus’ answer is also interesting. Peter is trying to figure out how big this readiness responsibility is, and Jesus’ limits it in his reply more than I would have expected him to. I would have thought Jesus’ answer would be, “It’s for everyone.” But his reply basically refers to leadership being accountable.

Of course, we are all leaders in our own areas of life. We all have responsibilities when it comes to impacting those around us. Business managers have their employees. Pastors have their churches. Sunday school teachers have their classes. Parents have their children. There aren’t many of us who do not have some amount of responsibility for how we affect others’ lives. Whatever that area of responsibility is, that’s where our accountability to you lies.

As for me, you have given me several responsibilities. I am responsible for loving my wife and, even though my children are now grown, I still have a fathering responsibility with them. I am a manager at work, and I have a responsibility to lead our organization and manage the staff. I also have a responsibility to be accountable to the board of directors. Then there are societal responsibilities. You have put certain issues on my heart. You have touched me like you did Nehemiah and given me specific issues about which I feel like it is my responsibility to respond. And then there are the personal nudgings you give me when it comes to my writing and even public speaking. Am I living up to your expecations in those areas as well?

Father, help me to be found faithful. I hate to ask this, but please correct me where I am in error. I don’t know what you correction will look like, and I am loathe to ask for it, but the truth is that I just want you to be able to look back and know that I didn’t let you down. You have done so much for me, and, out of my love and appreciation for you, I want to make the most of what you’ve given me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen