Day 3–Delighting Jesus
Scripture reading for March 18: Matthew 25:14, 19-21 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” . . .”Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 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.’ 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.”
In response to His disciples question about what it would be like when He returned and what would be the signs of His coming, Jesus told this story about a man who left on a long journey and entrusted each of his servants with gifts and talents according to their abilities. When he returned, he called the servants in to give an account and receive their reward for serving.
Those servants who had been diligent to use their talents, no matter how few or many, were commended by their master and invited to enter into the master’s joy. The one servant who did nothing with his one talent, suffered loss of his stewardship and punishment instead of commendation. (Matthew 25:24-30) The unfaithful servant was cast out into darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.
As first responders, appointed by God to serve others on His behalf, we must take this teaching to heart and use it to evaluate our own lives and attitudes. The wicked servant held a contemptuous attitude towards God. He did not know God’s goodness and promised rewards. The faithful servant wisely invested God’s talents and brought increase. We all desire to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” “Enter into the joys of your Master!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this plain teaching by Jesus about how to delight You through investing our talents to serve You and others. Guide us today in fulfilling our God-given purpose and producing fruit from sharing Your love. Amen.
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