Food in Due Season

“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.’” Luke 12:42-44.

When Jesus returns, there will be a small flock of true servants on earth who are busy, wherever they are, giving food in due season. They are so precious and valuable in God’s eyes that He will make them rulers over all that He has.

In the old covenant the Lord was very particular concerning His priests and servants. No one who had any defect was allowed to approach the altar to offer the bread of his God, and every sacrifice they brought had to be without blemish. Read Leviticus 21:16-24; 22:17-25.

Neither is anyone today allowed to approach to present the bread of his God unless he approaches in purity and uprightness. Those who have come near have distanced themselves from the world and the things of this world. They have been consecrated for a high and holy ministry. They are satisfied at the Lord’s table that is richly spread for them, even before the eyes of their enemies. Jesus had food to eat that the disciples knew nothing about, and even in these days this food is largely unknown.

If we want to give food in due season, we have to be consecrated for this ministry and be aware of our calling and responsibility, so that we are awake to the opportunities. Then the Lord will give us the grace and wisdom we need, if we remain in His presence in purity and uprightness.

Most people take good care of themselves and their families when it concerns earthly things, and food is served at certain times of the day. However, very few really understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matt. 4:4. Jesus explained this with great power and in all seriousness to the Jews in John 6, but they could not grasp it. They were thinking only of natural food.

What good is it if you fill yourself with vitamins so you can jump around like a rubber ball if you do not jump to do God’s will? A cripple would be better off in that case, because he does not have so many opportunities for which he must give account. Most people boast of taking good care of their families, but seen in God’s light and with eternity in view, that does not count for much if they do not see to it that they give their family spiritual food. A mother’s love is greatly praised, but it is not worth much if it doesn’t go any further than nurturing the well-being of the body. Your body sees corruption after a few years even though you take care of it in the best possible way, but your spirit is going into eternity.

If you really love your children, you are an example to them in everything that is good. Then you will live a life that is devoted to God so that you, by God’s grace and mercy, can help them obtain the food they need for their spiritual life from day to day, so they can grow up in all the virtues of Christ and become sound and strong in faith. Then they can look forward to the future with a living hope in their hearts and have an abundant entry into God’s kingdom, where their parents will receive them back as a victory crown.

Elijah received food from the Lord in due season when he sat under the broom tree, wishing he were dead. Strengthened by this food, he walked for forty days and forty nights. 1 Kings 19:8. In the same way, we also are strengthened in our inner man at conferences and meetings and in gatherings together with the saints where we receive the right food in due season. May we be occupied with giving each other this food until Christ’s return.