Matthew 25:14-30

Be still: Lord, I'm here. Please speak. Amen

Read: Matthew 25:14-30

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! (v 21 and v23)

Encounter: So well known, the Parable of the Talents, but as with all Jesus' teaching, it applies both to his audience then, and to us now.

Jesus speaks to the Jewish leaders and people of Israel who for generations have been entrusted with God's Covenant and the prophecies of a coming Messiah. It's been a long wait since their last significant prophet, Malachi - and what have they done with their sacred trust? Largely buried it! The leaders have corrupted God's commandments into an impossible maze of rules and regulations, and they are refusing to recognise Jesus, the promised Messiah.

Among the people, only some are 'faithful servants' of God's Word.

And what does the parable have to say to us now? Very much the same. That God values 'faithfulness' in us above all else. It doesn't matter how much you've been given in terms of gifts, abilities, areas of influence. What matters is – are you faithful

to the Lord in how you use them for the sake of the kingdom?

Comparison is the thief of joy. Be honest - how much time do you spend comparing yourself to others in the church family? Do you see some having greater status, more influence, more opportunities, more value than you? 

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. Jesus does not place more value on one of his children than another. He has made you unique, loves you uniquely and given you what you need in terms of gifts, abilities, and opportunities to fulfil the unique purpose he has for you - the purpose no-one but you in all of history can fulfil.

Apply: Use it or lose it.

For years I haven't exercised sufficiently the muscles in my lower back - and I've lost much of their potential power. 

Those gifts, abilities and opportunities God has given you - are you using them? They're not guaranteed, you know, if you don't exercise them. Use them or lose them.

Devote: Lord, one day I'd love to hear you say 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Holy Spirit, teach me faithfulness.