Scripture:
Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV
[14] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his servants and delivered his goods to them. [15] And to one, he gave five talents, to another two, and another one, to each according to his 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. [27] So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I would have received back my own with interest. [28] Therefore, 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:
I know this morning the Holy Spirit directed me to a lot of Scripture 1bout 16 verses, and I hope we all took the time to read it because the breakdown of it is pretty simple, I believe. Jesus always used stories that the audience could relate to to get HIS point across. They were called parables, which were simply stories that illustrated a spiritual lesson or principle. In the parable of the talents, the illustration is simple. The master that distributed the talents is our heavenly father. HE had given each of us gifts and talents. They were designed to be used to further the kingdom. To some of us, HE gave an abundance of gifts and talents. To others, HE has just a few, and to some HE only gave one. According to what HE thought we could handle. As you have read in the scripture chosen this morning, the key is what you are doing with what GOD gave you. Just to explain what a talent was in those days. One talent was 66 pounds 9 ounces of gold. So to have just one talent was a lot. In this parable, Jesus tells us that the master gave to the first servant over 330 pounds of gold. The value of that would have been astronomical, but remember HE gives to those what HE knows they can handle. To the second servant, HE gave a little less, but still an overwhelming amount of gold over 120 pounds. These two servants had probably. Never had that kind of money in their possession in their life. But they did not miss a beat. Putting it right to work. The 3rd servant was only giving 66.9 pounds of gold. Let’s just think about that… 66.9 pounds of gold is just handed to you. To hold on to while your boss goes on vacation. What would you do?? I believe that this servant did what most of us would. Protect what has been entrusted to you. However, when we read on in the story, we find that the master (GOD) has given the servants (us) talents for a reason, and it was not to hide them. HE is about building the kingdom. HE is an investment broker. HE invested in your life by giving you something to use for the kingdom’s growth. As we read in the story, we see that the master goes away and cones back calling to account the servants that HE had given the gold to. Wanting to know what had come of it. The first one had brought back twice what had been given along with the second… but the third only brought back what was given. If you took the time to read the scripture, you know the results. The first two were handed more and brought back a healthy return where given more than they could ever imagine, and the one who hid what the master had given was cast out to a very dark place.
Application:
The bible tells us the GOD put us together inside our mother’s womb. HE placed us there and has made us in a very specific way. HE chose just the right mother and just the right father so that the DNA would give very specific talents to you. HE is the master craftsman. Those talents are not to be hidden. In fact, they were given to you so that the kingdom of heaven could be built. When they do not get used, they are basically buried in a hole. Listen, GOD knows every part of you, and HE has set you aside for such a time as this. In Matthew chapter 28,, we are all giving a purpose, and that is to make disciples, to multiple the kingdom. That’s what the LORD has built you for. HE expects you to use what HE gave you to do so. I’m sure if you are reading this, your desire is to hear those seven words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant l.” I mean, I’m not trying to lie. That’s what I want to hear. I want to know that I did not squander what HE has given me, and I honestly hope you feel the same way. This is what I know for a fact. Jesus is coming back… I don’t know when… but I know it’s going to happen, and I don’t want to be the one who has to dig up what GOD has given me and have nothing to show for it… I am not talking about possessions because all that will burn up or rust. I want my heavenly account to be overflowing, busting at the seams. So that when my father asked me what I did with what HE gave me. I can honestly say, “Look, Father, here is your return.” GOD has invested in you. HE has given you gifts and talents. Don’t dig a hole and hide them… put them on display, let the world see who GOD has made you to be. So that others will give HIM glory. Let your walk be attractive by using what GOD has given you… that in and of itself will build the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, we know that there is no mistake about how you have made us. We are hand crafted for your purpose. Shaped and molded like only you can. We know that you have a very personal and specific plan for each one of us, and the way you have made us has given us all of what we need to accomplish that plan. We want to be used by you. Give us a boldness that can not be hidden. Help us to shine the light of love that you have placed inside of us. It no mistake that we are where we are and have had the life we have had. Because your plan is perfect. Show us the talents you have given us and teach us how to use them so that you will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. We want to experience your kingdom. We want to be with you for eternity. We want to store our treasure in heaven. Help us to invest in those around us. We want to use what you have given us to build stronger men who will lead their homes and strong women who would stand beside their men as they take up your armor. You have invested in us, and we want to bring you a return. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.