Prognosticators

Luke 12:41-48
Jesus has just given some serious instructions to these people regarding the manner in which their lives are to be lived in light of eternity.  He finishes this section with telling them that, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand more (vs. 48b)."  We always interpret this as materially much leading to much material giving.  In other words, if you are given lots of money you should give lots of money.  However, I think if we look back to the previous instructions we will see this refers more to a knowledge and wisdom much, rather than material much.  Jesus has just given commands as to how one is to live life on this earth, with eternity in full view.  Knowing we will not be here long, we should not be concerned with amassing treasures here (20-21).  He warns against focusing on provision here and worrying about needs being met here on this earth, even basic needs (vs. 22-23).  These act as an anchor, holding us to this earth, enslaving us to earthly matters and concerns, putting us in the same class as pagans (vs. 29-30, 34), limiting our service to his kingdom.  He has told us that as long as we are kingdom focused, singularly, that he will provide for what needs we have on this earth (vs. 31), there is no need for us to worry for these.  To go beyond this is to lose faith in God and to be unprepared for his return (vs. 28, 42-46).  Jesus gives us the warning of the rich fool who saved for his own personal indulgence and provision.  At a time he did not expect, God required his soul of him and all his savings amounted to great loss for him, not reward.  He saved great stores of wealth, but is not labeled as a good steward, but as a fool (vs. 20-21).  How can we interpret saving large amounts of money as being a good steward?  This is never the case in the New Testament.  The widow was exalted by Jesus for giving all she had (Mark 12:41-44).  Ananias and Sapphira gave a significant portion of the proceeds from the sell of their house to God, probably what amounted to a generous gift.  But they were not congratulated as good stewards for it, but condemned because they did not give it all (Acts 5:1-10).  With these in view the phrase "rich towards God" in vs. 21 takes on a whole new meaning.  Taking all this into account, we cannot interpret vs. 48 as simple material much leading to generous gifting.  Jesus has warned against personally accumulating not just earthly excess, but any earthly provision (vs. 22-23, 29).  His finish with vs. 48 must refer to knowing these instructions and knowing how we are expected to live our life here, we will be judged according to our obedience to these instructions.  It cannot refer to simply being held accountable for how much money we gave.  Otherwise the Pharisees would have been commended for their large, expensive gifts, not condemned (Mark 12:41, 44; Luke 11:42).  Have we sold our possessions as instructed (vs. 33)?  Have we been rich towards God and not ourselves (vs. 21)?  Have we abandoned pursuing provision in trust of his provision and the pursuit of a kingdom (vs. 31)?  Have we aligned ourselves as transients and strangers here on this earth, eagerly awaiting his return?  Because this is one who truly believes in Jesus' return and is ready for it; who sees no need to hold on to what is so worthless and fleeting.  Or have we been more concerned with our future here, preparing to be here for a while, so we might as well make the best of it, just like the unwise servant in vs 45-47?  Because it is according to these how we will be judged.  This is the much we have been given (instructions), and it will be according to this much that we are compared, every aspect of our lives, not just our donations.  We are to work as commanded (II Thessalonians 3:7-8), but not to prepare for some unforeseen future happenings, but that we may be rich towards God, as commanded.  There is no need to try and prepare and predict for future needs and circumstances.  We all know what will happen, there is no speculation.  Do our lives reflect this unshakeable faith and trust, or do we evidence that we just aren't buying Jesus' "predictions"?  To be ready for his return is to posture your life in the manner he has just described, living in a way that evidences this earth is temporary and its treasures fleeting, not to just simply believe in Jesus and be ready to go to heaven.  So which is your stance?  Look at your life, not your words, and this will tell you.