531. LUK 16:1, LUK 16:8. THE UNJUST STEWARD
Luk_16:1, Luk_16:8. The Unjust Steward
"And he said unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward: and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward," &c.’97Luk_16:1, Luk_16:8.
It is obvious that this parable must be read with care, that its design and purport may be correctly ascertained. Jesus here is not extolling the dishonesty of the unjust steward; nor yet does he inculcate, in the conclusion, the possibility that by any meritorious works, we can assure ourselves of final felicity. The whole scope of the parable is to teach wise, prudent forethought. And this is all that was commendable in the unjust steward. He calculated, arranged, and acted for the future. He had wasted his lord’s goods. He was unable to toil for his daily food. He was ashamed to beg. He therefore resolved, by favoring to a large extent his lord’s debtors, in the settlement of their accounts, to obtain such a share of their goodwill, that in the time of necessity he saw approaching, he might be received into their houses. The lord heard of the sagacity and tact of his unfaithful servant; and while he must have detested his dishonesty, he yet admired the skill and prudence he had displayed. Jesus therefore attests that, as a rule, the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. He concludes by saying, that his disciples should make to themselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when they failed on earth, they might receive them into everlasting habitations. It is supposed by many that Christ here refers to the benevolent use of wealth in doing good to his poor disciples, who would hail their benefactors with joy to the abodes of the blessed. Then Christ will say to such, "I was hungry and ye gave me meat," &c. The great motto of the parable is,’97live in reference to eternity. In doing this,
I. Keep the eye of your mind constantly fixed upon it. As the racer on the goal. As the mariner on his port. As the laborer on the end of the day. As the traveller on his home. Daily remember you are on your way to eternity. Soon you will have to do with eternal things. Think of them in the workshop,’97in the market,’97in the domestic circle,’97in secret. On your beds, &c. Let this be one chief subject of meditation and reflection.
II. Act for eternity. (1.) Lay a good foundation, by building on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and resting exclusively on him for pardon, sanctification, and eternal life.
(2.) Labor to grow in meetness for eternity. Cherish the spirit, and graces, and virtues, which will flourish in the celestial regions of glory. Seek for an entire conformity to God’s will and likeness. Be heavenly and spiritually minded. Lay up treasure there, &c.
III. Let your conduct have reference to it. In worldly things act as a citizen of the New Jerusalem. As a Christian more especially, let your destination be recognized of all men. Show your pilgrim’s staff and costume. Be ever on your way, &c.
III. Act with that skill and energy which eternal concerns deserve.
(1.) See how worldly men contrive and toil for earthly gain,’97how much more you for eternal riches.
(2.) For what a little they make immense sacrifices,’97how grand the object you have before you,’97your self-denial and earnest efforts cannot be too great.
(3.) How they persevere and overcome difficulties. Be as intent on your labors, and as strenuous,’97determined and unwavering.
(4.) How anxious are they to improve all opportunities. Be you as wise and watchful,’97avail yourselves of all means of getting and doing good. Be especially moved to this course by the consideration,
1. Of the uncertainty of the present. Your period of probation is exceedingly limited, and its termination may be just at hand. Much may have to be crowded into a few months, or weeks, or days. What diligence and fervor then are necessary.
2. Of the momentous character of the future. Eternal things are solid, unchanging realities. Heaven and its glory is eternal. Hell and its woe is eternal. And in eternity there is no reparation of life’s woeful mistakes. No available repentance there. No door of hope there. No throne of grace there. No purifying fountain there. Then while we have these, what concern and diligence should be evinced!
IV. Under all circumstances prefer eternal to temporary good. Eternal prosperity to evanescent earthly prosperity. Eternal glory to earthly glory. Eternal pleasures to those of sin and sense. Eternal mansions to those of time, having their foundations in the dust. Keep in mind the wisdom of looking at the unseen realities of eternity, in preference to the temporal vanities of time.
Application
1. Commend the conduct of those who are thus wise and prudent in reference to eternal things.
2. Encourage them. Their reward is nearer every day. Soon shall wisdom be justified of her children. Soon shall the wise shine forth in the kingdom of their Father forever.
3. Urge the worldly to a better choice. Why be absorbed with sublunary good? It is the portion of the beasts of the field, Seek something higher, better, holier,’97more suited to your faculties, and more adapted to the immortality of your being.
4. Press consideration on the thoughtless. "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS