The Austere Lord

Luke 19:21

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou laidst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

This is a similar parable to the parable of the talents (Mat 25:13-30) but obviously have their differences.

Couple of observations -

1) unlike the parable in Matthew's account, the servants are given the same amount. The reward was also proportional to the gain. Thus it seems that our level of reward in heaven is also based on our effort and achievement. And those who may not be as "talented" could make up with hard work. Now before one jumps to conclusion of salvation by works, as we have mentioned on previous occasions, it is not working to be saved but saved to be working! 

2) Again, we see that, one can lose one's inheritance in heaven if one is negligent in the Lord's work. In both parables, the slothful servant is punished. 

3) So is the Lord unfair to make such demands? Apparently, according to the slothful servant. But notice that the Lord did not agree to what he said but was merely using the servant's standard against himself. It was really just a lame excuse. The fact of the matter was that even the "barest minimalist" would have entered into the joy of the Lord. But even that, he would not do. 

The word austere is interesting. It is actually a transliteration of the Greek austeros, which is associated with honour, being earnest and severe. Paul wrote of the "goodness and severity of God" (Rom 11:22). Yes, God is the ultimate standard of justice. To the faithful, there is only but goodness, but to the unfaithful, there is only wrath and indignation.

So who will we be? I think the answer is obvious!