Gotta Serve Somebody

S - Luke 19:11-15, 26-27 (NAS): "While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. So He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.” And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, `Do business with this until I come back.' "But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.' "When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done. … "I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence."

O - This is the only place where Jesus via this parable identifies humans who are hostile to him as enemies.  Normally, the term enemy is reserved for the Devil and his angels.  Those who are not embracing the Kingdom are called lost sheep, lost coins and lost sons.  Why this stark change?  What happened to love your enemies?  Is this indicating some kind of shift in Jesus and in his teaching?  I believe the answer is no.  This parable is illustrating certain fixed realities which all are subject to. They include:

1. a calibration in understanding the timing of the kingdom's appearing.

2. the unchanging identity and authority of the king.

3. the accountability of all under his domain to an assessment.

4. the devastating consequence for those who refuse to accept the inevitable conclusion of the coming kingdom and its king.

The Lord hasn't run out of love for his enemies, they've run out of time.  God has established certain dynamics and consequences which he will not shift or relax.  All human beings are set in this context.

A - In this age, at some point, every human being will run out of time. The accountability to the Creator and King is unflinching.  The design of willing relationship uncompromised.  The consequence of our decisions unaltered. Today the words of Joshua remain strikingly potent: Choose this day whom you will serve.  Bobby Dillon got it right … 'you gotta serve somebody.'

P - Lord who is the Lord and who loves,

You've given such great dignity to all inhabitants of this planet … created with great significance to yourself and all others; empowered with the capacity to choose (free will), invited to a very intimate and forever relationship with yourself as the objects of your love.  I admit my flawed bent and tragic propensity to miss, refuse or misunderstand.  I admit my designed need of you and your ongoing help, interface and empowerment.  I admit that not only do I need you but I want you. I admit that you are THE king and I am amazed that you want to be MY king.  Lord God Almighty, I choose you back!

In Jesus' Name,

Steve