Matthew 25:1-30 contains two parables describing the kingdom of heaven. The first parable tells of the ten virgins; five wise and five foolish. The five wise virgins went out to meet the bridegroom fully prepared—carefully putting forth their best effort taking whatever was needed and plus, in case of unforeseen events. The foolish virgins however, exerted little effort. The next parable is the parable of the talents.
“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. 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.” Matthew 25:14-15, NKJV
The servant with the five talents worked diligently and doubled his master’s money as did the servant given two talents. However, the servant given one talent, like the foolish virgins, exerted minimal effort and was only able to return to his master the original talent.
The results: the wise virgins went into the wedding with the bridegroom while the foolish virgins were unrecognized and shut-out. The servants who worked diligently were told, “Well done”; called “good and faithful” servants and “welcomed into the joy” of their Lord, (v. 21, 23). The unprofitable servant was called “wicked and lazy” was cast into “outer darkness” (v. 26, 30).
Are you planning carefully, exerting your best effort with the talents with which you have been entrusted? In order to be good stewards of the talents we’ve been given means using those talents for the sake of the kingdom and to the glory of God. On the other hand, when we do nothing with our talents we can be considered disobedient, rebellious, wicked and lazy servants.
Colossians 3:23-24, NKJV, reminds us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
We are to serve to the Lord with integrity, diligence, enthusiasm, and humility. Merely gracing God with our presence at one church service on Sunday mornings is simply not enough. We should be doing so much more—working, watching, and preparing.
In 1854, Anna Coghill penned these words—Work, for the night is coming…When man’s work is o’er. Are you ready?
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12, NKJV
Come quickly Lord. God Bless!
