Journal 13-8-2009

Journal 13-8-2009

Scripture

Matthew 25: 14 – 30

MATTHEW 25

The Parable of the Talents

¹⁴ “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. ¹⁵ And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. ¹⁶ Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. ¹⁷ And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. ¹⁸ But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
²⁰ “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ ²¹ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ ²² He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ ²³ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
²⁴ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
²⁶ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. ²⁷So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. ²⁸ So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
²⁹ ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. ³⁰ And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Observation

The parable of the talents should be a lesson to all of us. God gives his blessings to us according to our own ability. As we use our talent and what he has given, we actually improve and our gifts will multiply if we are good stewards. And the Lord is happy with us if we are faithful with the little things he has given us. We also must not be wicked and lazy with the resources God has given to us. I believe “wicked” is when we misuse our talents or blessings. We are “lazy” if we don’t put our blessings to good use and bury it to the ground. We must produce something. We must always be active in utilizing the talents God has given to us. Failure of which will result in punishment and the removal of out blessings simply because we are selfish.

Application

I must consistently use the talents he has given to me.

I must constantly improve my talents.

I must be a blessing to others.

I must be careful not to be wicked and lazy with my talents.

Response

Lord, I thank you for blessings in my life. Help me constantly improve and be a blessing to others. Help me not to be wicked or lazy and be profitable to you and your kingdom. Teach me to be wise when using my talents. Let me not misuse my talents. In your name I pray, Amen.