The Greatest Exercise of the Steward

Because I have named 2011 the Year of the Steward, my glasses have been refocused.  Everything I read seems to have new meaning within its normal context when I view it as training and guidance for the Steward.  Today I was in Mark 8 with the story of the feeding of the 4,000 and the discussion afterwards between Jesus and the disciples.    This day I learned that I struggle with the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod which is the cry for a sign before I will believe.  "Beware of the leaven!" Jesus warned.

He had to remind them that he had  fed the 5000 with five loaves and two fish with 12 baskets left over.  And then fed the 4000 with 7 loaves and a few fish - plus provided enough for 7 baskets of left overs.  But, these baskets were not your normal baskets - they were "spuris" or hampers large enough for a man to stand in.  The generosity of God is greater than we can ever use up....the overflow is enough to  care for another multitude.  Even then, the sign was not enough to allay their fear of scarcity.

"Why reason because you have no bread?"  said Jesus.  "Do you not perceive?  Do you not remember?  Is your heart yet hardened?"  "How is it you do not yet understand?"

Training for a steward will always focus first on that inner perception of the Master.  Perception determines the reality in which I act.  The disciples had just seen incredible signs of the provision of the Master and yet perceived in their life, scarcity and want.  Can I trust the Master?  If I give all the controls over to Him, if I give all that I have into His hands, will I be in want or be cheated, or lack anything?  What sign do I require of Him before I am confirmed in my trust?

I recognized again today that I, like the disciples,  overlook, dismiss or forget how Jesus has been faithful in provision - and not just faithful, but overly generous so others also may receive from my leftover baskets. I have never wanted for anything and I have learned that the more I give away, the more I am enriched in my life as a steward.  Yet, I still wrestle with the divine problem of a human being who insists on more signs.

Holding the mind steady on the Word and promise of the Master, is the greatest exercise of the Steward.  And today I was challenged to remember the extravagant provision of the Master through out my life and let it rest in that reality so I might serve without hindrance of fear and doubt.  What joy I experienced today in knowing that the Master I serve is Jesus of Nazareth....YHWH. (Jehovah)