Future Plans and Christ’s Soon Coming
Jesus said, “So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come’” (Luke 19:13). Jesus gave a parable in Luke 19:12-27 about a ruler who went away on a long journey and promised to come back. Before he left, he gave his ten servants sum of money and told them “Do business till I come” (verse 13).
The word “do business” here means to carry on trade (Luke 19:15; Ezekiel 27:9, 16, 19, 21, 22). The words “till I come” indicate that the ruler anticipated being away for an indefinite period of time. The ruler desired to know how the servants will prove themselves as administrators of his property, and planned to assign them responsibilities as officers in his kingdom, each according to the ability he had demonstrated.
Also, Jesus gave the same idea in the parable of Talents in Matthew 25:14–30. This parable showed the experience of the servants during their master’s absence on how to invest money (Matthew 25:16–18). The servant who did not invest was judged for being “lazy” as well as “wicked” (Matthew 25:26).
The Bible teaches the necessity of hard work and perseverance. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).
Therefore, Christians don’t show lack of faith when they acquire an education, do business, invest their resources, or have future plans. At the same time, they should be spiritually ready at all times for they don’t know the hour of their death or when Christ will come. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:32, 33).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
