I don't see how their interpretation of verse 44 is out of harmony with verse 45. How so? The "prophecy" is written as if it had indeed happened. Hence in the reported speech context, looking back in time, it could indeed be asked "Who is the faithful & discreet slave?" etc
So I don't see that you can rely on that as an argument.
Ozzie,
The problem is that it is the wrong argument. Yes this servant has already been appointed and was in fact already being selected during our Lords stay here on earth. You are correct if your views acknowledged this and I think they do since you exclude the WTBS delayed application of this statement to the 1900s which of course is false:
Matt. 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
And who would this servant be? Why none other than the our Lords disciples consisting at that time of Apostles and disciples that were commissioned to baptize and preach our Lords message and propagate this faith until our Lord returned to this earth once again.
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {teach: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations} 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The slave would consist of slaves that die and others taking their place though time so that in the process there would be some that would do this faithfully, and some that would do this in an evil way. Therefore to those that were faithful a promise was given that would be fulfilled at the end of the world or our Lords coming:
Matt. 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
And we also have this promise that will be fulfilled at that same time for the evil ones attempting to represent the faith.
Matt. 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {cut: or, cut him off}
Luke teaches the same thing like this:
Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
The parable applied to all that would become disciples not just the Apostles themselves. The servant therefore is the faith now represented by many Churches and many Denominations and Sects. Judgment of them would take place all at once at the end of the world when our Lord would return to raise the dead or change those still alive. So are all such servants or all such denominations to expect the rewards befitting a disciple or slave? The answer is no. Some would have to take their chances based on judgment accorded to undedicated mankind or unbelievers.
Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. {cut: or, cut him off}
Not everything involved with this slave is clear as not every responsibility would even be understood by it. There are variables involved in serving the Masters interests and these to will be given consideration at that time. So we learn that our position in the kingdom will depend on what we do now as a disciple because this is how we will be viewed then when our Lord returns.
47 And that servant, which knew his lords will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
That is pretty much the sense of it. The Watchtower is not even close to understanding the texts and has formed doctrine that is self serving and not truth.
Joseph
