Jesus. We need help. No, make that, you need help. Whatever. You spin this talk about treasure in heaven and then getting robbed. About being the revered master and then acting like you’re the slave. Come on here. Say what you mean and quit making it so hard for us to get it.

It’s been said what you have to work for, means more. Tighten your belt and prepare to go at it.

The Promise

First off, Jesus says don’t get all upset and anxious about what’s coming. God loves it when there’s the chance to give what amounts to the best heaven can bestow. Pull it all together, and it’s what is called the Kingdom. Not in a nationalistic sense, but as in all the goodness of God gathered and activated in the world.

You see, generosity in overabundance is the goal of God. See though how this comes about. Jesus says the dreaded words, “Sell what you have…” Yes, that smacks right up against the better forms of capitalism and slams into what’s next. “…and give to those in need.” But it’s not to usher in socialism. Rather, the giver gets the best in benefit.

Jesus here is asking for complete trust and confidence in the future. Relinquish what you think brings security. The promise is this exchange of what we think is best and right instead for what God wants and whom God loves best.  Freedom comes with that.

Fear and anxiety have no power in this place. Instead, there’s a joy yet to be experienced. Treasure like this can’t be stolen or destroyed.

The Anticipation

So get ready for it. Jesus tells it as in the story of servants waiting for the master to come home. This time though it’s a big deal for he’s coming from a wedding feast, a joyous celebration of united love by friends and family. The servants especially want to have the estate shining its best. There’s one detail though which they can’t control.

No one knows when the master is going to show up. This master doesn’t operate like the rest of the world just because it’s always been done that way. His servants then are required to be diligent even as they wait with no clue as to his expected arrival.

Now why not send word when he’s on the way? Why keep the drama and tension ongoing? What’s this guy think he’s accomplishing by being so secretive?

Secretive? Or is there another expectation here? While waiting and watching for his arrival, these servants are not idle. They keep the place going at the same time they’re making it shine. Yet, it happens by the characteristic the master exemplifies most, in the unexpected. Anticipation is foremost even as the means and hows are not known. All day and night the servants have that which keeps everyone going. They have hope which drives that to which they look forward.

The Real Surprise

Sure enough, the master arrives when he is good and ready, not any time sooner than those who’ve been predicting he might. But there’s more.

You’d think when he got there the servants would be scurrying around to see he’s fed and rested from his travels. Not so. Instead, he makes them sit at his own table, puts on an apron, and serves his people a fine meal. Roles are reversed. His expected arrival becomes an unexpected favor for those who have waited faithfully in service to him. Hope beyond hope becomes a blessing beyond expectancy.

Ready or Regret

Nice thoughts here, Oh Master Jesus. But why this talk of waiting for who-knows-what or working hard for what you turn upside down anyway? Why not just make all the good stuff your promise come to be? Keeping us in the dark about your movements, coming, going or at the table keep us spinning and not knowing what’s up. What’s the point?

Go back to the start of this. Sell all you’ve got. What’s that going to make you do? Reevaluate your priorities? Look at the world from a different perspective? Maybe think differently about the effects of poverty, advantages and privilege, building solidarity with those not necessarily like you? Divesting of your stuff and helping out the less fortunate isn’t a one and done deal. It’s process, change, development, all of which we know doesn’t happen overnight. You grow into it and make a better world, this Kingdom of God that will build, your security.

Otherwise, what’s left to life? All you might ever own and achieve is open to thievery, disaster, betrayal. Put your hope in that and risk eternal regret. Each is accountable only to how one chooses. In brief, where your hope is shapes what you live for.

“Wherever your treasure is, there you heart and thoughts will also be.”

Luke 12:32-40

Footnote

Jesus didn’t just tell stories about role reversals, masters acting as a servant. He lived it. Read more here:  Do as I Have Done to You 

Named 2024 Notable Book Award by Southern Christian Writers Conference!

The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away by Constance Hastings

Ask for it wherever you buy your books, or just Click Here.

Subscribe to The Trouble with Jesus Blog Here.