Tag Archives: to whom much is given much will be required

Several years ago a book about the prayer of Jabez became popular. I read it and memorized 1 Chronicles 4:10. It said, “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked” (ESV). I began seeking God’s blessing and favor over my life like Jabez. I’ve found out that we can seek God’s blessing, but many times we aren’t prepared to receive it. We haven’t built our storehouses to contain it. Some people manage God’s blessings well and others not so well. One of the true tests of our heart is how well we handle and manage God’s blessings.

In Genesis 40, Joseph was in prison awaiting his blessing. While waiting, he got two new cell mates – Pharaoh’s baker and cup bearer. When they had a dream, Joseph interpreted them. He told the cup bearer that he would be restored and the baker he would die. He then told the cup bearer to remember him, but when he got his blessing, he forgot Joseph. I believe Joseph learned a lesson about handling blessings that day. When he was placed as the second highest command in Egypt and his brothers showed up, he cared for them. After he revealed himself, they were terrified he would use his blessing and power against them. However, in Genesis 45:7 he said, “God sent me ahead of you to rescue you in this amazing way and to make sure that you and your descendants survive” (GNT). He understood that God’s blessing was to be used to bless others, including those who had destroyed his life.

In Luke 12, Jesus said, “Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master will put in charge, to run the household and give the other servants their share of the food at the proper time.” In verse 48, He concludes by saying, “Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.” The more of God’s blessings we receive, the more that will be required of us. He is looking for faithful and wise stewards of His blessings. If we can’t manage well the amount of blessings we have now, how will we handle more? God truly wants to bless His people, but we must be willing to use them for His purposes.

Photo credit: Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash