Luke 19:11-27

Be still: Lord, as I take this time in stillness, make me aware of the riches of your kindness — the many things you have placed in my hands that I have to be grateful for. Amen

Read: Luke 19:11-27 

So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ (v13)

Encounter: When I was growing up, one of my mentors often used the phrase ‘what’s in your hands?' What are the things, gifts, possessions the Lord has placed in front of you to use for him: the time you've been given on your weekly google calendar, the money you've put into a savings pot, the people you brush shoulders with day to day. What and who is within your sphere of influence? 

In this parable the ten minas represent a significant sum of money, about three months wages. I see it as a reflection of those things that God has placed in our hands. These good and perfect gifts come from him alone — for him alone. He can give or take away when he chooses but he commissions us to tend, care for and cultivate the things and opportunities that have been placed in our proximity. 

We’ve been entrusted to steward these things well and to use them for the Kingdom. If you’ve got a gift don't hide it away — use it! That’s exactly what the third servant didn't do, instead he stored what he had in a piece of cloth. 

Imagine someone putting a million pounds into your bank account and you decided to just ignore it. Not investing it or giving to the poor or starting a business but letting it lie there idle. People would think you were mad for being so complacent. They might echo Jesus telling you to use it but, like the first servant, use it for something good and meaningful. 

In the same way God has given us utter abundance, resources and incredible people to journey with. And to those who can be trusted with little, God will give more! 

Apply: What’s in your hands? Gifts, time, money. Think about any areas where you may have become complacent in using them or how you can use them for kingdom purposes. 

Devote: God, help me not to waste the good things you've entrusted to me but take what’s in my hands to use for your Kingdom and your glory.