DAY #44: February 13, 2009 - Matthew 25:14-30

Today, another parable about heaven and future events. Jesus describes a man going on a trip. This man was wealthy enough to have servants and to have an amount of money that he wanted invested and multiplied while he was gone. He divided the money among his three servants. Each received different amounts in proportion to his abilities. The different sums of money point out how God recognizes each person as a unique individual with varied circumstances and personality.

What he “gives” to each person is exactly what that person can handle. If any of these servants failed in the assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. The money represents any kind of resource that believers are given. God gives us time, abilities, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns.


The first two servants doubled the money the master had given them. But the third servant dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. This would not have seemed unusual to Jesus’ listeners, for in the ancient world, it was not an uncommon way to safeguard one’s valuables. We do not know why he did it; he could have been lazy or afraid. The first servant brought the doubled money, and his master was pleased with his efforts and with the profit. The reward for the servant’s faithfulness is even greater responsibility. The second servant had also faithfully fulfilled his responsibility. He had been given less money, but he had done everything he could and brought a doubled return to the master. Because he had faithfully discharged his responsibility, even though he had less than the first servant, he received the same reward, commendation, and privileges.

We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have. Each believer should faithfully carry out the duties entrusted to him or her by God and multiply his or her God-given gifts for the sake of the Kingdom. The third servant made excuses instead of realizing that, from the start, his responsibility was to serve his master to the best of his ability. To refuse to serve reveals a lack of love and little desire to accomplish anything for the master. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he had accomplished nothing for him. His words to the master reveal a self-centered character. He accused his master of being hard. His accusation was an attempt to cover up his own irresponsibility.

We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. God truly is our Master, so we must obey him. Our time, abilities, and money aren’t really ours; we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we have been given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished. Using the servant’s own words, the master pointed out that he had every right to require that his servants fulfill their responsibilities. He had not expected much of this servant in the first place; that’s why the servant received so little. So even putting the money in the bank to earn interest would have been enough. Yet the wicked and lazy servant had not even done that.

The master severed his relationship with this servant, took away the money, and gave it to the one who had earned the most. Jesus had already taught the concept: to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. This parable describes the consequences of two attitudes regarding Christ’s return. The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The person who has no heart for the work of the Kingdom will be punished. God rewards faithfulness. Those who bear no fruit for God’s Kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

To fail to do good with what God has entrusted to us, to fail to use it to increase his Kingdom, is a grievous sin that will receive severe punishment—for it means that one never knew or loved the Master. The outer darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth picture the anguish of hell.
Watching and waiting for the Kingdom means being prepared. Being prepared means making ready for it by increasing the glory of God in this world through good deeds. Good deeds are best performed through the talents God has given us and should be done to the best of our ability.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have heard?)

Lord, break our heart with that which breaks Your heart. Move in us and work in us to use the gifts and talents You have entrusted us with to build Your church and build Your Kingdom. This passage reminds me of a question that I often think about - "who's in heaven because I've share with them? Because I've invited them to hear the gospel message the good news?"

Today Lord it is on my heart to share my faith with whover you lead me to. Give me the eyes to see the divine appointments you have for me. Don't let me miss one. Give me a heart for people today in a greater way.

PRAYER

Lord, fill us with Your spirit and give us the faith and courage to step out and be a witness for You.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Lord, give me courage and boldness to share our faith.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Lord, help us see the needs of others around us and do something about it.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (NIV)