November 26, 2018: SOAP #3280:  Matthew 23-25

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 25:14 “…A man…who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more…
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Observation:  In considering the parable of the talents, I have often considered the lessons of the servant who received the one talent.  However today, the Lord led me to consider the other two servants.  One returned 10 talents to the master, the other returned 4, yet they both received the same commendation from the master.  As I wondered why, I was led back to verse 15: they were given talents according to their individual ability!

They were not being rewarded for fruitfulness, but for faithfulness!  (Faithfulness does result in fruitfulness, but God rewards the faithful.)

Application:  How foolish it is to compare my accomplishments to those of others.  God is looking for faithfulness.

Prayer:   Lord, Jesus, there has never been a servant as faithful as you.  Work your faithfulness into my character.  Be your assignment large or small, I want you to find me faithful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!