Matthew 25:14–18 (ESV) — 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
NOTE: In the previous parable of the bridesmaids, the emphasis was on prudence (planning for multiple eventualities to include a long wait) and preparation (having enough oil). In this parable, the point seems to be service. Each servant was given different sums of money, and each was to "invest," that is make something of the money the Master had given. Two of the servants doubled the investment, but one servant took a no-risk approach (he buried the money). If we consider the money to be gifts, capabilities, and ministries that God has given us, the lesson is that God want us to use what he has given. A no risk approach (burying our gifts), as we will see in the next few verses is contrary to God's plan for our lives. We are all different. We all have different abilities. We don't have to match someone else. But we do need to be faithful to God in the skills he has given us for ministry. We must be faithful.
PONDER:
- What skills has God given to me?
- How am I using my skills for the kingdom?
PRAYER: Father, reveal to us the talents, skills, gifts, and resources that you have given to us. May we each be faithful to use them, not to sit on them. May we each take risks to serve you and the kingdom.
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