Given A Lot

TITLE: Given A Lot
DATE:  October 23, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 12:7-48 – ESV -  that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

A story from the early years of the church tells of a heavenly debate as to who had received the most forgiveness.

Everyone related their story with special attention` to the outstanding sins from which Christ had forgiven him.

After everyone had finished the telling of their tale it was common consensus that the fellow who was most forgiven was a fellow whose story was terribly tragic and just filled--to-the-brim with all manner of sins both large and small.

The capstone to his narrative when he shared how he Savior  had come on his deathbed and saved him. That last part had more than a few of the folks withdraw their name from the competition and those who stayed n were pretty sure they were going to lose.

Then, just before the vote was taken, another man came forward and asked to tell his story which was short, concise and sadly sorrowful .

He said: "I have known Jesus my entire life, but never once did I share Him with anyone else.”

 When the vote was taken, it was not the thief, or murderer who won. The winner was the man who knew Jesus, but never shared Him.

On the night Jesus was arrested, as the rooster crowed, it is possible that Peter may have remembered the words of Jesus: 'to the person who has been given much, much will be expected.' (Luke 12: 46) Peter had heard Jesus' sermons of love, seen His miracles, been fished out of the Sea of Galilee.

 Like the man in our story, Peter had been given much.

Unlike the man who remained silent, Peter motivated by the devil  had loudly denied Jesus three times. We dare not follow in his footsteps.

• As forgiven Christians we rejoice that Jesus paid the price for all our sins.
• As forgiven Christians we lead our lives, proclaiming the Lord Who was willing to die rather than deny the mission His Father had given Him.

Jesus is the One Who sets our example. Which means that we  as Christians who have been forgiven much, ought to be dedicating ourselves to witnessing much.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You died to be my Savior. May I live as Your faithful disciple, drinking from the sweet or bitter cup that is given to me.  When  it comes to You, keep me from denial and . keep me from silence. As You have given much to me, allow me to thank You much. In Your Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html