Waiting for the Master

If this life is all there is, then my quest should be to experience it all and not hold back. I should take from others anything I find useful, and taste all that tempts my palate. If this world is a house where there is no master, what is there to stop me from laying claim to the position?

Jesus reminds us that our role is not as master, but as trusted tenants, and calls us to diligence.

To wait for the Master’s return means to feel a sense of his presence even in his absence. It challenges us to long for a future time and not miss a single opportunity to do good in the present time. Because we work in the name of another, we keep his light shining in a dark neighbourhood and feed the hungry in his household. We fight back the thief who would destroy the peace of his home.

If we are tempted to think that there is little to show for the Christian life, Jesus surprises us with a great truth. To those the Good Master finds faithful, he says, "It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them." In a great role reversal, the one who serves will be served by the powerful hand of the returning Lord.

We have been given a taste of this mercy already. Wrapped in a servant’s towel, Christ asks us to receive the broken bread, his body, as we place our hope in his coming kingdom.

Respond in Prayer

Loving Master, you have not abandoned us and will return to take up your rightful place in this world. Keep us faithful as we wait. Remind us to serve as your Son so graciously served us, giving us the power of his name in which to pray. Amen.

Miriam Wickett

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).