When God Says …
“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.” (Luke 19:20-21 KJV).
These passages usher in the fearful servant returning his pound or Mina wrapped in a cloth, saying: "Lord, here is your pound... For I was afraid of you, because you are an austere man." We must always be reminded to look these through the lens of grace vs. law and take hold of several takeaways we can learn from. He hides his mina out of fear, viewing his master as an "austere”, hard man. He represents a person living under law-consciousness. Misjudging the master’s character, he became paralyzed and unfruitful.
This servant basically accused his master of being a conman. This is exactly how the enemy wants you to view God. When those who claimed to believe view God as a harsh judge waiting for them to fail—rather than a loving Father who showers them with unmerited favor—they operate under fear and debt. The servant’s excuse shows a mindset that trusts entirely on self-effort, fearful of punishment.
Trying to earn God's blessings with fear that He will penalize you when you fail places you under the curse of the law. This mindset brings "dead works" that leave you stressed, guilty, and spiritually unfruitful, totally in contrast with the blessings of grace, resting in the Lord’s finished work. It is not God’s intent for us to be unfruitful. He draws us to His grace by faith in Christ Jesus to be connected with the vine who is the Lord. It is written: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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