Talents

February 11

Exodus 27

Psalm 21:1-7

Proverbs 4:25-27

Matthew 25:14-30

Talents

“And to one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey….For to everyone who has more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.”  Matthew 25:15,29 LSB

Another argument people give for not studying about Jesus’ second coming is that if you are focused on His return, you will just sit around and wait for Him instead of doing the things He has called us to do.  This argument never made any sense to me, because the knowledge of His soon return should give us the incentive and urgency to tell others about Jesus because the time is short and to work hard so that when He returns He will find us being faithful.  The parable of the talents clearly refutes this argument.   It teaches the importance of using our God-given talents and resources wisely.  We will be held accountable for what we have been given. 

            In the parable, Jesus described a man who goes on a journey, entrusting his servants with his wealth and possessions while he was gone.  To one servant he gave five talents, to another, two talents, and to the third, one talent.  A talent is a unit of measurement used to weigh out silver or gold.  This was a substantial amount of money and very valuable.  Each servant was given based on their abilities.  The servants who were given 5 talents and two talents used their talents wisely and doubled their investment.  When their master returned he was pleased with their efforts and told them that since they were faithful in a few things he was going to put them in charge of many things.  The third servant was not prudent with what he was given.  He dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.  When the master returned, the man gave him the money back and the master called him lazy, wicked and worthless.  His talent was taken away and given to the one with ten talents. 

            The master in the parable represents Jesus.  The servants are his followers.  Jesus has given each of His followers responsibilities and resources.  He has gone away and has promised to one day return.  Jesus has entrusted His ministry to His children while He is away.  He has created each of us with a purpose and a calling and has given us the abilities and resources we need to accomplish the things He has for us to do.  This parable is a reminder for each of us to evaluate ourselves regularly to determine if we are being faithful.  What is my role in the kingdom? What is my purpose and calling?  What abilities and resources has God given me?  What am I doing with what He has given me?  How am I serving Him? We are not all called to be in vocational ministry, but we are all called to be ministers where He has placed us.  Will we be found faithful when He returns?