Faithful Stewards
Each of us is called to be and fully capable of being faithful to Jesus.
"Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” Samson said...She’s the right one for me.” Samson went down to Timnah together with his father and mother. As they approached the vineyards of Timnah, suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands...Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can give me the answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. If you can’t tell me the answer, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they said. He replied, “Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.” For three days they could not give the answer. On the fourth day, they said to Samson’s wife, “Coax your husband into explaining the riddle for us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death...Then Samson’s wife threw herself on him, sobbing, “You hate me! You don’t really love me. You’ve given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.,,She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him. She in turn explained the riddle to her people. Samson’s wife was given to one of his companions who had attended him at the feast.”
Judges 14:1-3, 5-7, 12-20
Do you ever think about the fact that schools do not teach children how to choose a soul mate? Of all the coursework that our students progress through over the course of their education, not one class is dedicated to the sole purpose of soul mate selection. Isn't picking a soul mate one of the most important decisions that a person can make? What makes a good soul mate? How is our lack of guidance working out for us? Studies on divorce over the decades have showed that divorce rates spiked in the 1970's at around 40-45 percent and have decreased to around 30-35%. Regardless, the numbers are too high and speak to many deeper issues in our world.
The bible says be careful about who you choose to surround yourself with as the people around you will impact your heart. Samson chose a woman likely for all the wrongs reasons. He liked the way she looked, but he did not take the time to learn about her heart. His parents tried to warn him. They said be careful, she does not follow the ways of the Lord. She is not from our tribe. Samson chose to go after a girl whose looks caught his attention more than seeking a woman whose heart was faithful. His choice cost him emotionally, financially, and most importantly, spiritually. Who are you surrounding yourself with each day? What characteristics do you look for in a friend or when you are trying to find love? The bible says look for a faithful heart.
“We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’ ” No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another."
Psalms 75:1-7, 9-10
The chief of musicians, Asaph, wrote this psalm and he sang of God's faithfulness. He sang of how God is close and cares for His people. He said one of the best ways you can respond to God's faithfulness to you is to share with others how God has moved in your life. When we take the time to tell our stories to other people, we help build up their faith, and God gets the glory. What does your song sound like?
Aseph said it is God who judges. The Hebrew word for judges here means more than any courtroom conviction. Aseph is speaking about how God sets things right. When people do not follow His ways or act in faithful ways, God takes action. There is a day of judgment at the end of our lives, but equally as important is learning to exercise good judgment today in how we remain faithful to him. Aseph warns us to watch out for how pride can impact our judgement.
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."
Proverbs 21:2-5, 9, 19, 21, 23, 29-31
The bible is a collection of 66 books and many authors written over the span of thousands of years so it is incredible to see how scriptures align. It is no accident that on the very day we read about Delilah nagging Samson, Solomon tells us that it is better to live on the corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. He says it is better to live alone in the desert that to be with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. What is it that leads to fights and quarrels? James wrote a whole chapter about what causes quarrels. Are quarrels not driven by jealous, envy, pride, fear, and selfish desires?
Have you ever been around a couple who claim to be Christian but can't stop quarreling? Arguments or tension can and will arise in the healthiest of relationships, but when there are constant patterns of conflict, deeper issues exist in the hearts of the people in the relationship. The primary issue is a lack of humility. Jesus says blessed are the humble for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps the opposite slogan is cursed are the arrogant for their life will be a living hell. Humility says less of my will and more of God's will. Humility chooses God's purposes over one's pride. Humility looks to more like expressing faith through lovingly serving seeking to elevate others and in doing so display devotion to Christ in one's own heart. Solomon calls haughty eyes and the proud heart the unplowed field of sin.
The best way to calm a conflict is start with self-reflection. Jesus said take out the log before you tell someone else to take out the splinter. People who are faithful to Jesus can point a finger if it is back at themselves, not ever at others. Jesus is the judge and jury, not us. Every time we examine our hearts and plow our own fields we clear room for the faithful God to plant good seeds through His living word.
“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims! all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. “I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty...‘Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?’ Where can I find anyone to comfort you?” Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?”
Nahum 3:1, 4-5, 7, 13-14, 19
Nahum tells Nineveh that their wound is fatal. The truth is that being unfaithful does have a cost. If you have read the full story of Samson, you know that the choice to marry a Philistine woman is one that costs Samson his very life. There is a slippery slope of sin that often begins with who you choose to be around. Anyone who has ever parented a child is going to be concerned with what friends their kids make because they know how impactful friendships are on the direction of one's life.
What marked the people of Nineveh? Nahum says that they lied, cheated, stole, lusted, practiced witchcraft, and worshipped idols. Consider unfaithful their hearts were and this was all after God warned them by Jonah. God is both jealous and just. He warned the people then he let them pay the penalty for not choosing to repent. Does this make God harsh or is it possible that correction is the most loving course of action when someone is going astray?
“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness...detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:1-13, 18-19
Can you imagine a world in which every person lived to serve God and serve others? Can you imagine if our culture celebrated people living like Christ rather than those who accumulate the greatest power or most possessions? We might not be able to cause everyone to faithfully turn to God, but we can be faithful in how we live. Peter says you have been given gifts that are most powerful when used to serve others. He calls you a faithful steward of God's grace. Have you ever thought of grace as something that you steward? Most churches will preach on stewarding resources with an emphasis on how you steward money, time, or talent, but have you ever heard someone preach about stewarding grace? It is an interesting concept and most needed when others fall short of following God's ways. Peter is saying give others grace, but do not give them your heart. Your heart belongs to Christ alone. Peter says you were given grace to give grace so let your life reflect the love you have for Jesus.
The Philistine woman was the opposite of gracious. Rather than stewarding grace, she drove her husband nuts by nagging him for seven straight days and then sabbotaged his plan by sharing his secret. One could sympathize with her for the threats that she endured, but the truth is her heart was corrupt. Peter warns us that we will face difficulty like the Philistine woman did. He says don't be surprised when they heap abuse on you, but more importantly remember that you will have to give an account to Jesus.
Peter says be faithful, sober, and alert. These are active calls to be prepared for when trouble comes. How many of us get caught off guard when someone else does something inconsiderate, unkind, or unloving? Peter develops a mindset so he does not get caught off guard. He takes the initiative and seeks first the kingdom of God. He gives us a very simple filter for how to live. He says whatever you do, do for God. The key word he uses is the call to be a faithful steward. He says that if we evaluate every word and all our actions in light of our covenant relationship with Christ that the result will be a hallelujah for our Heavenly Father. How will you steward the grace you have been given today?