Mark 13:34-36 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work… I. THE CHURCH'S AUTHORITY. "He gave authority to His servants." The more we serve the more authority is given. For, what is authority? Not position, not office; but a certain moral power: the power of truth, the power of affections, the power of virtue over vice, the power of faith over sight. There are degrees of authority in the Church. There is authority which belongs to the Church collectively, essential for her wholesome discipline. But we have to do only with what is personal to ourselves, it is your authority to go to every single man under heaven and tell the glorious things of the gospel. It is your authority to go to the throne of God Himself. II. THE WORK. Authority is never given in the Church of Christ for any other end but work. The work is specific, "to every man his work." Each Christian should pray till he finds out the work God has assigned him in this present life. There is work active and passive in the Master's house; the childlike reception of the grace of God, to evangelise mankind. III. WATCHING. There are two ways of watching. There is a watching against a thing we fear; and or a thing we love. Watch for the second advent, and you will be vigilant against sloth and sin. Will you not keep every trespasser out of the Master's house, when you feel that that Master Himself stands almost at the door? He is worth watching for. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. |
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