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The story is about a servant and his master, but it is clear that it represents the believer - that is, the Christian - who awaits Christ's return. The parable implies that, for many, there is a moral deterrence in not knowing at what hour Christ will return. This is seen in the suggestion that, had the servant expected a quick return, he would have guarded himself against committing evil. Hence Scripture is intentionally cryptic and ambiguous concerning when the Second Advent will occur. Nevertheless, the story of the evil servant does hint at a long wait. (153:1) The evil servant surmises that his lord is delaying his return and, thus, the servant decides to take advantage of his master's absence to commit evil acts. The fact that the servant abuses his responsibility as guard of his master's household has led some to believe that the servant represents the clergy, who oversee the well-being of the congregation. (153:2) Christ concludes the story with the master returning and catching the evil servant whom he then punishes severely. The Messiah comes as judge, and judgement is meted out. Baha'u'llah writes: (153:3) We have a fixed time for you, O peoples. If ye fail, at the appointed hour, to turn towards God, He, verily, will lay violent hold on you, and will cause grievous afflictions to assail you from every direction. How severe, indeed, is the chastisement with which your Lord will then chastise you! (Gleanings 214) (153:4) In verse 24:51, Christ states that the master cuts 'him asunder': literally, 'shall cut him in pieces' (ASV) or 'will cut him to pieces' (NIV). It has also been translated as 'will scourge him till his flesh is cut' (ML), but all these versions have obviously troubled some translators, and so we also find, 'will punish him' (RS). (153:5) The story should not be taken as literally describing what will actually befall the unwatchful and disobedient in the final hour. Understood symbolically, the story suggests that the disobedient will be separated from, or denied, the rewards of the believers. The message reflects Psalm 37:-- For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD,-- They shall inherit the earth. (Ps. 37:9)
(153:6)
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