Jaclyn Hesson
Today’s Scripture: “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.” Matthew 25:14, NIV
Theme: God entrusts each of His servants with wealth and the expectation that we will use it to do His work.
ME, ME, ME
I remember the first time after I received my driver’s license that my mom sent me to the grocery store with a list and $50, heady with freedom and the thought that I was handed not only the keys to the car but a handful of cash. Once at the store, the list conveniently stayed in my pocket. Happy as a clam, I walked through the store, so excited about my freedom and “adultness” that I forgot my mission. Returning home with chips, sodas, ice cream, and such, the moment I walked through the door and saw her face, the list suddenly came to mind!
Oh dear! I was not only in trouble, but at the first chance to prove my ability to be responsible and dependable, I had failed spectacularly. Thankfully my mother was a kind woman who never missed a teachable moment, and so, we discussed what happened with the list. It was meant to feed the family, not just me and my whim of food choices. I had been entrusted with something that wasn't just for me, but for others and to benefit the family. She helped me to realize that it wasn't all about me; it was about being part of a family.
TREASURE FROM AND FOR THE KING
In the “Parable of the Talents,” a master assigned oversight of his wealth to three servants before leaving on a long journey. One servant received five bags of gold, another servant two bags, and the third servant received only one bag of money to manage until the master returned. All three servants were entrusted with a significant sum of money. Likewise, God has entrusted people with unique spiritual giftings and opportunities to use them. God holds us responsible for the treasure He gives. Each of the three servants were responsible to maximize the investment of the master while He was away. The servants given five and two bags of gold each doubled their endowment, while the servant with one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the money.
WHAT WILL THE MASTER SAY?
In my story, it was when I returned home to my mom that I was held accountable. In the parable, it was when the master returned. In our lives as Christians, one day Christ, the true Master, will return. He has entrusted each of us with wealth, whether it is natural talents, intelligence, abilities, or literally finances. He has gifted us it all and given us a command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV).
When we accepted the gift of Jesus, His life was traded for ours, saving us from our sins and from death. We also were offered the gift of abundant life—in the here and now—through accepting Him not only as our Savior, but our Lord. Another word for Lord is Master, which means we do what He says, and the abundant life follows. That is not to say we drive around in Mercedes, dripping with diamonds. No. The abundant life in Christ is identified by the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. His Lordship includes sovereignty over our 'wealth' and everything we have. That includes money, as well as our natural talents, intelligence, and abilities.
GIVEN FOR A PURPOSE
These are all gifts from the Lord, our Creator. Each of these talents is to go toward what He has called us to do, which is to share the Good News and bring others into the family. If we hide these gifts and resources, or (as I did with my mom’s food money) hoard them for ourselves, we are like the servant who dug the hole and buried the treasure. It did not end well for him.
The Lord knows our hearts, and this lack of obedience and trust in the Lord and His goodness showed through the lazy servant’s actions...and ours. The other two servants, who did utilize all that they were given, were commended as faithful servants. They received a strong commendation from the master, who praised both their character as “good and faithful servant(s)” and their achievements in compounding the money. Their proven faithfulness in a “few things” led the master to put them in charge of “many things.” They were invited to share in the “master’s happiness.”
Make It Personal: Every believer has spiritual treasure to invest in Christ’s kingdom. It is our choice what we do. As we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, we come to know Him and His goodness. We come to realize that everything we have is from Him and that He is faithful! As we grow in our love for Him, we are excited to share all we have with Him and for Him. Those who don't yet recognize His goodness and faithfulness also aren't yet willing to share. Are you using all the gifts God has given you, not only for your own benefit, but for His Kingdom? Make a list of all you have and where you utilize it.
Prayer: God, we know You will judge our lives, our choice to make You our Lord, and how we spend our time and talents. Empower my love for You, my faithful Master, and allow it to compel me to serve wholeheartedly and with all I have. Father God, help me to have the courage and desire to use all You have given me for You and Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Chronicles 29:13-14; James 1:17