Scripture:
Matthew 25:14-30 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. [19] Now, after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ [21] His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ [23] His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ [26] But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Observation:
You may have heard this story from Jesus, and you may not have. But this morning, it was on my mind, and I hope I can help us all understand its significance because it’s not something that we should pay close attention to as the time draws near for Jesus to return. The 16 verses are a lot to break down in a short amount of time, so after reading them, I believe a brief overview will be adequate to get the meat out of it. Jesus is talking to a group of people, and HE uses this parable to illustrate how things should go after HIS departure. HE explains that 3 servants had been given 3 different amounts of financial responsibilities. At that time, they were called talents, and I found that very appropriate considering the application of the parable. These talents were distributed according to the master’s confidence in the servants’ abilities to put them to good use. The master then goes away on a trip, trusting that HIS kingdom will be taken care of while HE is gone. Upon HIS return, it’s time to see how HIS financial investment was taken care of in HIS absence. So he calls the servants to a meeting. Asking the first servant to explain what was done with the talents he was given, the master was presently informed that HIS investment had brought HIM back twice as much as was given, and the same situation with the second servant who was called to give an account. However, the third servant out of fear dug a hole and placed the one talent he was given in it. Bringing back only what was given to him in the first place. His explanation in it’s self condemned him. As he expressed his fear, he said I know you are a hard man reaping where you did not sow, and out of fear, I did not want to lose what you gave me so I buried it and look here it is. The statement that came next should open all of our eyes. The master explains how, in the servants’ own explanation, he brought condemnation. Basically, stated you know that I was a hard man, and you let that fear keep you from bringing me back more than I gave you, you knew I gathered where I did not sow and harvested where I did not plant, and rather than even placing that talent in the bank you hid it where it brought no return. Your own words condemned you. Depart from me. Into eternal darkness.
Application:
This scripture is one of those that will catch your attention, or at least it does mine. The point behind it is that GOD has created HE has given you very specific talents and gifts that HE wants you to use for the kingdom. The only real question to ask here is, what are you doing with them? I guess the second question is, do you know what they are? But the point is don’t just hide them… use them. GOD has a plan for you, and HE has gifted you in specific ways to reach the people you are around. So let’s take a look at what some of these talents may be so we can get a better understanding of how we can use them. Sometimes, I’m still not sure what mine are, but I’m doing my best to figure that out. However, some of us are really good at communication. We talk, and people seem to want to hear what we say. I want you to know that is a talent. In my opinion, Pastor Chad is a great communicator, and he uses that talent to further the kingdom. Some of us can sing like angels. Just look at the worship team at the church. Those are 2 different talents, but both have an impact on the kingdom. But let’s look at some more practical ways that GOD wants to use what HE has given us. Maybe we are kind-hearted people who want everyone to feel like someone. But we are afraid of getting hurt, so we push people away. That last statement was so that we could see how the gifts and talents that GOD gave us can be hidden and become unfruitful. My point is this… GOD has made you for a purpose and with a purpose. HE expects you to take the time to discover your talents and use them for HIS glory. If you don’t know what they are, ask HIM. HE will reveal them to you. I know for me, it took time to find out what I believe HE wants me to do, and I’m sure this SOAP is a big part of it. I have to reveal this to you… it may help you discover your talent and/or gift. The enemy will try all your life to convince you that you are the opposite of what GOD has called you to do. So whatever lies the enemy is telling you… I want you to know that he is trying to keep you from discovering that GOD has gifted you in that area. Run towards that rather than away from it. Don’t let the enemy dig a hole with what GOD has gifted you to do. Put that lamp on a shelf, not under a bucket. Approach the throne of grace with boldness. Knowing that GOD has a plan and HE want to use you for HIS glory. One more thing, then we will pray. I never thought I would be writing all my life. I was told I was stupid and I couldn’t do it. A few months ago, I stopped believing the lie and discovered one of the things GOD has called me to do. Step into your calling. GOD is waiting for you.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you have made us. You have gifted us with certain gifts and talents. Show us what they are so that we can use them for you. Unveil our eyes so we can see the purpose you created us for. If that teaching others about you opens that door and helps us to see how to step through. We want to see through the lies of the enemy, and honestly, the last thing we want is to live in eternity without you. Help us to be motivated to use what you have given us to gather the harvest for the kingdom. We know that you reap where you didn’t sow and you gather where you didn’t plant. We want to be used by you. Remove any fear we may have and give us a boldness that will shout your name from the rooftops. Show us the gifts and talents you have given us and how to use them so that your kingdom will come here on earth. We love you and submit to your plan. Show us the next step. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.