In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares a parable of the talents. Prior to this parable, is the one about the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins. Jesus was preparing them for his departure. He was soon to go to the cross. In this parable, talent is money. The master left for a certain amount of time. They had no idea when he would return. He entrusted money to them while he was away. He gave to them ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY. Meaning, he knew what they were capable of. A steward is someone who protects or is responsible.
To one he gave five, another he gave two, the last he gave one. Immediately, the first two went to work. They didn’t waste time, they had no idea how soon he would return. They wanted to be pleasing to their master. The first one gained five more. Which made ten. The second one gained two more, which made four. The last one hid his talent in the ground. The first one, the master was pleased with him. He praises his work. “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over much; now enter the joy of the Lord.” (Matt 25:21)
The second servant he praised the same. He told him also to enter the “joy of the Lord”. Joy is the success of doing, finding, or getting something. The last one was lazy. He made excuses, and had the nerve to blame the master for why he hid his money. Well, he got his reward for being lazy. Matthew 25:26 says, “You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I real where I do not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.” Oh, he is not done with him just yet. This was the ultimate punishment in the next verses. Matthew 25:27-28 says, “Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten talents.” He was thrown into hell because he was lazy and worthless.
We should be able to find ourselves in this parable. But, talents today can mean our gifts, and talents. There are those who are eager to serve, and help build the Kingdom of God. Then, there are some who are lazy, and are content with bench warming in the church. Don’t ask them to do anything, because they are not willing to assist in any way. Not realizing these gifts are on loan. Two took the instructions of their master seriously. They loved him enough to do what was expected of them. These two knew their master intimately enough to know what would be pleasing in his sight. The last one only saw him as a taskmaster and not a savior.
No man knows the day or the hour Jesus will return. (Mark 13:32-37) He gave them more than enough time to work while he was gone. So what is our excuse? It takes hard work, and obedience to be a good steward. We will bend over backwards for our jobs, but have nothing for the church. We will work overtime, but won’t go to bible study. I spent 2 years ushering in my previous church. I was raised to serve in church from a little girl. But, it came with sacrifice. I had to be at bible study, Sunday services, and any conferences we were having. But, I love God, and wanted to add to whatever ministry I am a part of. Love is an action word. Serving is showing our love for God, and others. No position is too low, no job insignificant.
Fear makes us hid, and make excuses. We don’t want anyone to know what we can do. Benchwarmers may have skills, but untill they get in the game, how will we know? Love is an action word. Even if you are not sure where you belong in the body, serve untill you find out. Most pastors will know what your calling is, and may have you work in that ministry. Being lazy and scared is not worth the master casting you away. Why die with potential in you? Then when others are raised up, we have the nerve to be jealous. Every person has a gift. Seek God to find out what that is. Jesus did not come to be served, but he came to serve, so should we. (Matt 20:28)
Do you hide from ministry because of fear? Did God or your leaders reveal to you where your place is, and you ignored them? It is not about us, it is about Jesus. Ask him to help you see beyond yourself, and help expand the kingdom.
Father in the name of Jesus,
Forgive me Lord for not being available to serve as I should. I admit I was fearful, and hid my talents. You gave the great commission in Mark 16:14-20. I desire to reach others with the gospel. Ministry is not just being on a platform, all auxiliaries are necessary. I desire to plug into my local church, and help wherever there is a need. I do not desire to have my talents taken due to fear. 1 Tim 4:14, Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gift on the inside of him. I have to do the same. Thank you for revealing this truth to me. In Jesus name, Amen.
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