Sunday: Stewards in the Old Testament
The word “steward” itself is translated only a few times in the Old Testament. In most cases it comes from the phrase regarding the one who is “upon the house,” the idea of being in charge of the running of a house; that is, a “steward” (Gen. 43:19; Gen. 44:1, Gen. 44:4; 1 Kings 16:9).
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Stewards had responsibilities to manage household affairs and their master’s possessions, doing whatever was asked of them. The definition of a steward in the Old Testament can be found by identifying the characteristics of a steward. Stewards cannot be separated from their stewardship, for it reveals their identity.
Some characteristics of a steward are made clear in the Old Testament. First, the position of a steward was one of great responsibility (Gen. 39:4). Stewards were chosen because of their abilities, and they received respect and trust from their owners for getting the job done. Second, stewards knew that what had been entrusted to them belonged to their owner (Gen. 24:34-38). This is the supreme difference between a steward and an owner. Stewards understand their position. Third, when stewards took for their own use what had been entrusted to them, the relationship of trust between them and the owner was broken, and the stewards were dismissed (Gen. 3:23, Hos. 6:7).
Read Isaiah 22:14-18. During Hezekiah’s reign, Shebna was appointed steward, as well as treasurer, both very important positions of authority. What happened to him as a result of his abuse of his position?
“A steward identifies himself with his master. He accepts the responsibilities of a steward, and he must act in his master’s stead, doing as his master would do were he presiding. His master’s interests become his. The position of a steward is one of dignity because his master trusts him. If in any wise he acts selfishly and turns the advantages gained by trading with his lord’s goods to his own advantage, he has perverted the trust reposed in him.” – Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 246.
| How can we better learn the important concept that we are indeed stewards of what we possess in this life? How should this realization impact all that we do? |
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I love this website,keep doing the job and Mighty GOD will bless you.I always have my sabbath book,but I visit this site often.You are very good stewards.Thank you.Have a blessing week at the of JESUS.
God trusted Lucifer as the Chief Covering Angel. He had wisdom, beauty, ability, perfection, but he became so proud, believing that he deserved more than what he already had. He wanted to become like the Most High. "How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!" Isaiah 14:12
Lord, please help us all today and everyday to commit ourselves to be good stewards, to be grateful, accountable, generous, and willing to give back with increase and help us to make stewardship our way of life.
It's an awesome thought that God considers every one of us to be a Steward - to at least some extent, according to our understanding and ability.
Why? Because he needs us and His purposes will not be done without us? God forbid that would be our presumption; it is rather a wonderful joy to be assigned a responsibility by our God. He asks us to serve, in whatever capacity, so we can truly be part of His family and government.
Personally, I need a lot of prayer and guidance in this - the more this topic is studied the more I realize what a sacred duty it is to seek God's will in everything - to be a faithful Steward. What is little in me, can be much in His hands. Thank you, Father in Heaven, for calling us to be of service.
Be blessed with marvellous work you're doing.
First example of stewardship or management is Adam and Eve. In Genesis 1:27-30 and 2:15-20. These example shows what God requires of us a Steward or manager.
Now most time when God is made at someone is the Old Testament about mis - management, God speak to a prophet and the prophet gives the message. HOWEVER, in the case in Isaiah 22: 12 God was disappointed at Shebna that HE spoke himself.
verse 12 And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
If God considers everyone of us to be stewards, that means God gave each of us something to be stewards of. Be it Time, Talents/Gifts, Wealth etc. If this is so, why do most people who pray after the offering is collected, almost always say "Lord bless those who gave and those who didn't have to give?" If each of us are stewards according to our abilities and understanding then let us highlight that more often so people may grasp the concept of 'Stewardship' better. {We all have something to give}
Many believe that stewardship is the giving of ones 'Money' such misunderstanding comes from the way 'Stewardship' is presented. The master entrusted us with our bodies, minds, possessions, etc. and we are held accountable for what goes in them and what they are used for. He even entrusted us with 'The Truth' according to his word, meaning all that's preached must be 'Thus said the Lord.' This is serious. I pray we will all see the seriousness and benefits of being a good steward. I am still learning.
This is indeed a serious matter Andrea, knowing He is the Almighty, the one who holds our everything and yet shabbily, clumsily and lazily do our assigned tasks by Him. What a waste..Touched by your thought Andrea. May God help us
i dont understand this story of shebna at all. how did he abuse his position through carving a tomb for himself?
From what I gather about Shebna, he was one of those who set at naught the prophet's warnings and was perhaps the one who advised Jeremiah to submit to Sennacherib. He was carving out a sepulcher for himself and his family and this would be a monument to perpetuate his fame. So here, he was abusing his position. The Lord sent the prophet to accost him at this very place and told him that he would be taken away in ignominy instead of in his magnificent chariots. It is said that he was tied to the tails of horses by the enemy to whom he had designed to betray Jerusalem as they thought he was mocking them and so he died. Indeed he was tossed away violently.
In all that we have, and in all that we do, we do them because there is our creator who has put us in these positions to be responsible stewards. Therefore, our families, church members, the church, community and the nation at large are to be cared for responsibly as we work.
The way to ever-lasting life fully depends on how well we do our work with love, care and concern for our brothers and sisters worldwide. We should be with sounded mind, light bearers and salt to the world (Matthew 5:13 - 16).
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
I believe that we are all God's trustee of the creation. As stewards, we are chosen to take care of all that is important to God. In keeping his trust, prayerfully and faithfully we are to manage all that God has entrusted to us in a meaningful form of worship.
1 Cor 4:2 "moreover it is required in stewards,that a man be found faithful." If we are called for this purpose in life then we should know how to connect to God. He trusts us, so can we have faith in that trust? God knows everything about everyone and if we're not with God then surely we will fall and fail His trust.
Stewards is all about one's ability, trustworthy and responsibility knowing that you don't own anything but there is someone who will expect your accountability, and be happy knowing that even if the owner appears at any time, he would have suggested as you have suggested, but then are abilities the same as talents?
I was inspired by Joseph and Eleazar.
Let me start with Joseph.
Today I see people who have been given great responsibilities, enriching themselves at the expense of their masters. We have Adventists who occupy positions of leadership in public and private companies. Instead of being faithful, they have ended up being in jail. Joseph was faithful and he actually ended up in jail for being faithful...
Eleazar also inspires me in that, had Abraham failed to have a child, the inheritance was going to be his. (Genesis 15:2) Regardless of all that, when Isaac was born, this faithful man did not harbor any jealous. Instead he faithfully served his master's son who was to take what would have been his.
Question: How will you feel if someone is promoted in your stead? Eleazar remained faithful. Lesson for us today...
Good morning brothers & sisters, I greet you all with a blessing of the lord. I would like to understand the illustration in isaiah 22:14-18 about shebna's abuse and consequences for his actions.
Please go on and explain more especially isalah 22:12 going further down.