DON’T LOSE YOUR ACCESS

Reference text: Matthew 18:22-19:1

Matthew 18:27, 34 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him.

Within the same chapter of today’s story, two states of mind or emotions follow the words “moved with”. One was ‘compassion’ and the other ‘anger’. Subsequently, the actions which followed either one of those words clearly reveal a lot.

When compassion was the driving force, we saw release and forgiveness of debt. However when anger took centre stage, we saw torture and repayment. Interestingly, both emotions were directed towards the same individual. So what caused the change? That is the response we want to explore briefly.

Between the master’s compassion and his anger, ‘there was the servants action’. In other words, this servant ‘acted foolishly’ and did not know how to live in the compassion of his master nor extend it forth. With his own hands therefore, he shut the door through which he had accessed compassion.

Sadly, many of us do the same. We lose the access to men we have been given sometimes through carelessness, dishonour and ignorance. We close doors that required significant grace and effort to open. This can set you back many seasons because it was clear that the servant in today’s parable had no way of paying back his debt, hence the decision to ask for him to be sold in the first instance.

Don’t lose your access carelessly.

#sly