Entrusted

24.3.9a - Stewardship

When we hear the word "stewardship," our minds might dart to servants and slaves taking care of other people’s possessions, but what if I told you that stewardship is so much more? It's a theme found in Scripture, a principle that undergirds our very purpose and calling as followers of Christ. It might also be one of the most relatable topics we could find in the Bible for 21st Century Christians.

Imagine for a moment that everything you have—your time, talents, resources, all the money, all of the possessions, all of the friends, all of your family, and even your struggles—isn't really yours. Instead, it's entrusted to you by God, a sacred trust to be used for His glory and the good of others. How would that shift your perspective? How would that change the way you live day to day?

This morning, we're going to uncover the richness of stewardship through the lens of three pivotal biblical narratives. We'll start with Joseph, move on to Abigail, and finally walk with Jesus, the ultimate steward, whose life exemplifies how to manage the greatest gift of all—our very selves.

As we explore these stories, I invite you to consider your own story. Where has God placed you? What has He entrusted to your care? How are you using those gifts to serve, to bless, and to further His kingdom?

Today is not just about gaining knowledge; it's about transforming how we view and live out our roles as stewards of God's manifold grace. So, let's open our hearts and minds, ready to be challenged and changed, as we discover the beauty and responsibility of true biblical stewardship.

Are you ready? Let's dive in and explore this together.

Part 1: Joseph - Stewardship in Times of Plenty and Need

First, let's dive into a story that seems like it's ripped right out of a Hollywood script, but it's all real—it's the life of Joseph. Now, imagine being the star of your family, the golden boy, and then, just like that, you're not just in the pit, you're sold into slavery. That's a bad day by any standard, right? This is Joseph's rollercoaster ride from being his dad's favorite to becoming an Egyptian slave and then, remarkably, the guy who ends up running the show in Egypt.

So, here's Joseph, this young guy with some pretty intense dreams that, frankly, didn't win him any popularity contests with his brothers. They toss him into a pit and then sell him off. Talk about family drama! But here's where it gets interesting: even when he's been thrown into the worst circumstances, Joseph doesn't just survive; he thrives. Why? Because he's got this unshakeable trust in God and a knack for stewardship that just won't quit.

Fast forward, and Joseph is in Egypt, working for Potiphar. He's doing so well that Potiphar puts him in charge of, well, everything he's got. But just when things are looking up, they take a nosedive again. Thanks to some false accusations, Joseph lands in prison. And yet, even there, he's stewarding his gifts, interpreting dreams for his fellow inmates. It's like no matter where he is, he's determined to use whatever he's got for good.

Now, the plot twists: Pharaoh has these crazy dreams nobody can interpret. Enter Joseph, the dream guy. He not only cracks the code on Pharaoh's nightmares but also lays out a plan to save Egypt from an upcoming famine. And just like that, he's promoted from prisoner to prime minister. Talk about a comeback!

But here's the kicker: when the famine hits, it's not just Egypt that needs saving; it's his own backstabbing brothers too. And Joseph, now in charge of the very grain they need, has every right to turn them away. But he doesn't. Why? Because Joseph sees the bigger picture. He realizes he's been put in this position not just to survive but to steward God's provision for the saving of many lives.

So, what can we learn from Joseph about stewardship?

• Use What You've Got: Whether in a pit, a prison, or a palace, Joseph uses his circumstances, his skills—everything—for God's glory. He doesn't wait for the 'right' moment; every moment is the right moment for stewardship.
• Plan for the Future: Joseph didn't just live in the moment. He planned for the years of famine during the years of plenty. We need to think long-term, stewarding our resources wisely, not just for our immediate gratification but for future provision and impact.
• Forgive and Provide: In the end, Joseph's story is one of reconciliation. He uses his position to provide for his family, forgiving them and seeing God's hand in his journey. Our stewardship should be redemptive, aiming for restoration and healing, extending grace and provision where it's needed most.

⠀In our lives, we might not be managing Egyptian grain supplies or interpreting royal dreams, but we've all got something to steward. Let's take a page out of Joseph's book and do it with wisdom, intentionality, and a heart for God's bigger story.

Part 2: Abigail - Proactive Stewardship for Peace and Reconciliation

Alright, let's pivot to a completely different scene. We're moving from ancient Egypt to the rugged terrains of Carmel, and our focus shifts to a remarkable woman named Abigail. Her story? It's one of those narratives that make you sit up and think, "Wow, talk about making a difference when it counts!"

Now, Abigail is married to this guy named Nabal, and let me be clear: Nabal is not winning any Husband of the Year awards. He's wealthy, yes, but he's also rude, harsh, and foolish. Then you have David—yes, the future king David—who's been out in the wilderness, protecting Nabal's shepherds and livestock. When David asks for a little hospitality, a bit of provision for his men, Nabal scoffs at him. Big mistake. Huge.

Here's where Abigail steps into the limelight. She hears about her husband's blunder, and she knows this is heading straight for disaster. But does she panic? No. She acts with wisdom, courage, and discernment. She quickly gathers provisions and sets off to meet David, taking the initiative to avert the impending bloodshed.

Now, picture this scene: Abigail, descending the mountain, loaded with supplies, ready to face an angry, armed David and his men. She dismounts, bows down, and pleads for peace. Her words are seasoned with grace, insight, and a profound sense of responsibility. She acknowledges the wrong, seeks forgiveness, and presents a better way forward.

And here's the beautiful part: David listens. He recognizes the hand of God in Abigail's actions. He pulls back his forces, sparing Nabal's household from destruction. Abigail's proactive stewardship not only averts a crisis but also lays the groundwork for reconciliation.

So, what do we glean from Abigail about stewardship?

• Step Up When It Counts: Abigail didn't shy away when the stakes were high. She stepped up, took charge, and made a difference. Her story challenges us to be proactive stewards, ready to act decisively and wisely when situations demand it.
• Speak Peace Into Conflict: With her words and actions, Abigail diffuses a volatile situation, steering it toward peace. Our stewardship should similarly seek to reconcile, heal, and build bridges, even in the face of misunderstanding or hostility.
• Recognize Your Influence: Abigail understood the influence she had and used it to effect positive change. We're reminded that our actions, words, and decisions have weight and can shape outcomes significantly. Let's steward our influence with the aim of reflecting God's grace and wisdom.

⠀Abigail's story might seem a world away from our daily grind, but it's teeming with principles that resonate right here, right now. Whether we're dealing with family drama, workplace tensions, or neighborhood disputes, we're called to be stewards of peace, agents of reconciliation, and bearers of grace, just like Abigail. Let's not underestimate the impact of stepping up, speaking peace, and using our influence for good. After all, that's the kind of stewardship that can change the course of lives, including our own.

Part 3: Jesus - The Ultimate Model of Stewardship

Now, let's pivot to the greatest example of stewardship we have: Jesus. His life, as detailed in the Gospel of John, isn't just a series of disconnected events. It's a masterclass in stewardship, with Jesus consciously, consistently modeling what it means to steward everything—time, words, actions, and life itself—in alignment with the Father's will.

Here we dive deep into the heart of Jesus' mission. Imagine the scene in John 13: Jesus, knowing that His hour has come, that He is about to leave this world and go to the Father, does something astonishing. He washes His disciples' feet. This act, a vivid display of humility and service, encapsulates His stewardship of role and relationship, demonstrating leadership that serves, that stoops to uplift others.

But Jesus' stewardship goes beyond even this. In John 17, His prayer reveals a heart utterly committed to fulfilling the Father's plan. He says, "I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do." Think about that. Here is Jesus, on the brink of His greatest trial, His crucifixion, asserting that His primary aim—glorifying the Father and completing His work—has been achieved.

So, what profound lessons can we learn from Jesus about stewardship?

• Stewardship as Complete Submission to God's Will: Jesus didn't live for Himself but for the Father. Every miracle, every teaching, every step toward the cross was an act of obedience. We're called to this same level of submission, making God's will the compass for our stewardship.
• Stewardship as Service: Jesus, the King of Kings, washed the feet of His followers. If that doesn't redefine leadership, what does? In every role we occupy—parent, friend, boss, neighbor—we're to embody this servant-hearted stewardship, prioritizing others' needs and serving with humility and love.
• Stewardship of Suffering: Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Jesus' example is His stewardship of suffering. He embraced the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love, stewarding His very life for our redemption. While we may never face such extreme trials, we're called to bear our own crosses, stewarding our sufferings for the sake of others, finding purpose even in pain.
• Stewardship of Words and Truth: In John's Gospel, Jesus repeatedly says He speaks only what the Father commands. His words give life, bring truth, and set captives free. In a world cluttered with noise, how we steward our words matters profoundly—may they echo Jesus', full of grace and truth.
• Stewardship of Mission: Jesus was clear about His mission, and He lived it out fully, even unto death. Like Him, we're entrusted with a mission—not to save the world, but to bear witness to the One who did. How are we stewarding this calling, this good news we've been given?

Conclusion: "Embracing Our Call to Stewardship"

So what does the Bible have to say about stewardship and our responsibilities towards what God has given us?

Joseph shows us that stewardship is about faithfulness and foresight, about using the resources and opportunities we're given to prepare for the future and provide for others. His life challenges us to steward our resources wisely, but also to steward our hardships, knowing that God can forge our greatest contributions from the crucibles of our toughest times.

Abigail reminds us that stewardship involves stepping up with courage and compassion, using our influence to foster peace and prevent harm. Her quick action and wise words teach us to intervene with kindness and discernment, steering situations toward God's grace and goodness.

And then there's Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, who demonstrates that true stewardship is about complete alignment with God's will, serving others with a humble heart, stewarding our words for truth and life, and embracing our mission with unwavering commitment.

So, what does this mean for us, as children of God and members of Christ's body? It means that every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, treasure, and even our trials—is a gift entrusted to us by God to steward well. We're not merely individuals living for our own aims; we're stewards of God's creation, caretakers of His gifts, and ambassadors of His love.

As we go forth, let's carry these truths in our hearts:

• Steward Your Story: Like Joseph, embrace the narrative God is writing through your life, trusting Him through ups and downs, using every chapter to reflect His faithfulness and provision.
• Steward Your Influence: Like Abigail, never underestimate the power of wise, timely action and words. Use your influence to build bridges, heal wounds, and shine God's light into the dark corners of conflict and misunderstanding.
• Steward Your Mission: Like Jesus, live with purpose, aligning your life with God's will, serving others selflessly, and speaking truth that echoes eternity.

⠀In essence, stewardship is not just a task; it's a transformation. It's about becoming more like Christ, who stewarded everything He had for our sake. As we step into this calling, may our lives resonate with such purpose and love, that through our stewardship, others might see a glimpse of the divine.

Let's not just be stewards; let's be faithful stewards, diligently managing God's gifts in a way that honors Him, serves others, and fulfills our part in His kingdom work. That is our calling, our privilege, and our joy as children of God and members of Christ's body.