Beginning with Luke 16:2, the Lord said, “So He called him (satan) in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.”
In the parable of the unjust steward, satan was fired from his job as the accuser of the people. Indeed, what Jesus was proclaiming here was the condemnation of satan. “And in regard to judgement … the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:11) Up until then, satan had control of the world through people who were willing to cooperate. But as we learn here, in this capacity, satan was actually a hostage taker -- misusing the Law to accuse people.
But let’s backtrack for a moment. Since the beginning, satan has held all of humanity as a hostage because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Originally, in the Garden, man and woman were given control over the earth. But when the two sinned, they desired to become like their Creator. As a consequence, Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise into the now fallen world that we now know. In their hearts, God wrote the knowledge of right and wrong. But satan, fully aware that God would not renege on His promise to give the world over to men and women, similarly knew that he could – from that point forward -- rule the world through men and women who were willing to cooperate with him.
However, the scriptures state that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the Master in the parable -- the righteous God -- was legally able to condemn (or fire) satan without further condemning mankind. Indeed, this became the turning point in time whereby the Lord God provided salvation – through the shedding of His blood on the cross – so that we can now receive salvation through faith in Him. Thank You Jesus!
Luke 16:3 “The manager (satan) said to himself, ‘What shall I do now?’ My Master (God) is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg …” Herein, we get a glimpse of how alarmed he is becoming. He urgently begins to wonder what to do. The very law (from the old covenant) that he was using to accuse and repress people has now been rendered useless to him. In fact, satan now stands alone with his demons – forever condemned. Notice that satan doesn’t want to work and likewise, too ashamed to beg (meaning, he is too proud to work and begging for mercy was definitely below his pride filled demeanour).
Luke 16:4 “I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.”
So satan had to quickly develop a plan. Up until this point, satan was able to use the Law to make people feel guilty and ashamed. His profession -- to keep people burdened, discouraged and feeling hopeless all the time. But if he lost his job, then satan could no longer do this. This is why fighting for his right to occupy people’s hearts, minds and souls became so critically important. Indeed, urgent. He had to devise a plan whereby people [would] welcome [him] into their houses [their bodily temples]. Legally, satan needed someone to co-operate with him. Because earth had previously been given to mankind, satan had no authority of his own.
The only chance satan had was through deceiving "those who have" -- a community of people like you and I who were set free from being God’s debtors once and for all. The debt that was paid in full by Jesus' blood shed on the cross so that He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- could become our resting place.
Luke 16:5 “So he called in each one of his Master’s debtors [all of humanity]. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men and satan knows this.
You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.
Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.
What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”
In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.
So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.
However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree. For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.
The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.
Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.
Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”
Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.
The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).
Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.
Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men and satan knows this.
You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.
Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.
What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”
In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.
So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.
However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree. For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.
The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.
Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.
Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”
Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.
The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).
Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.
Jesus said, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9 KJV)
The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.
But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?
Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He will not manifest through individuals who do not single heartedly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."
This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)
The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.
But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?
Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He will not manifest through individuals who do not single heartedly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."
This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)
More on “What is half-heartedness?” and being "churched" in the days ahead.
In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us free from all condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like.
Rather, begin to study His Word, for therein you will find JESUS - Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Our Lord God and Saviour who willingly was made flesh so that we would experience His peace and joy within our hearts.
The one and only!
Stand in the offering plate!
In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us free from all condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like.
Rather, begin to study His Word, for therein you will find JESUS - Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Our Lord God and Saviour who willingly was made flesh so that we would experience His peace and joy within our hearts.
The one and only!
Stand in the offering plate!
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