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THE KING’S BUSINESS
Sunday, February . 13 . Luke 19 : 11 - 14 .
hates God (John 15:23, 2 4 ;-Rom . 8:7 ), and because He testifies against its sins (John 7:7 ). His citizens showed their hatred Dy saying, “W e will not have this man reign over us.” That is what very many are saying today. Let them read the sequel. Monday, February 14 . Luke 19 : 15 - 19 . Upon His return our Lord will summon His servants before Him and reckon with them (Matt. 25:19; Rom: 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10). The first servant who reported had a. good account to give, and the account was well given. He did not say, “ I have made ten pounds more,” but “ Thy pound hath made ten pounds more.” He gave all the credit for the increase to His Lord (1 Cor. 15:10). A true disciple will never talk o f what he has done, but only what God has done through him. The reward o f this servant was tw o-fold: first, he received his King’s commendation “Well done, thou good servant.” That was enough, but that was not all. Second, “Authority over ten cities” was given to him, i. e., rule just proportionate to his fitness for rule. Later he also got an extra pound (v. 24), It was because he was faithful that the one pound gained ten. The second servant gave a good account, too, but not as good, so he did not get the special commendation, but was put over five cities, i. e., he was given rule just in pro portion to his fitness to rule. In the next world we will have just so much dominion as our faithfulness o f service in this world makes us capable o f exercising. Tuesday, February 15 . Luke 19 : 20 - 27 . The third servant’s report was bad. He had not used, but laid away, his gift. That is what many professed Christians are doing today, and we have here a picture of both the conduct and testing o f many pro fessed Christians. His excuse for his neglect and laziness was fear. A wrong conception o f Christ, regarding Christ as a hard and unjust Master, lies at the root o f all failure in service. The slothful ser-
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, many expected an immediate manifestation o f the kingdom, and the purpose o f this par able was to show them there was to be an interval before its establishment, during which they must prepare fbr it. They were right in thinking the kingdom o f God was to appear, wrong in thinking it was “imme diately" to appear. The “certain nobleman” o f the parable is Jesus Himself. His departure was “ into a far country." This refers to His ascension into heaven where He is to receive His kingdom, and whence He is to return as King (Acts 1:9-11). He has already received “ all authority” (Matt. 28:18, JR . V .; Eph. 1:19-23; 1 Peter 3:22), and mdy return at, any moment. H? will return as soon as the fullness o f the Gen tiles is come and the bride hath made her self ready (Rom. 11:25; Acts 3:21; Rev. 19:7). In the giving o f the pounds is set forth the distribution o f gifts for service, which is also elsewhere in Scripture con nected with Christ’s ascension (Eph. 4:7, 8, 11, 12; 1 Peter 4:10, 11; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11). The servants o f the parable represent the professed servants o f Christ, but not necessarily all regener ated men (cf. Matt. 7:22, 23). Each ser vant in this parable, as distinguished from the parable o f the talents, is represented _as receiving the same amount, to bring out the truth that rewards are proportioned to fidelity and service. The amount given to each was equivalent in value to eighteen dollars. So small an amount is given to show that we are responsible for our use o f even the smallest gifts. The servants were to “trade,” i„ e., use the gifts and thus multiply them. The period o f trading was “ Till I come.” Our business during our Lord’s absence is to use the gifts bestowed upon us for His gain until He comes Sgain.' “ His citizens” are primarily the Jewish people (John 1:11; Acts 3:13- 15). “ They hated Him.” They are not the only ones who have hated Him (Acts 4:27, 28). The world hates Him today (John 15:18). It hates Him because it
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