Matthew 25:14-30
The Bible teaches us that we receive eternal life through God’s grace, not through our own efforts: “You are saved by grace, through faith, and this does not come from you, it is the gift from God; not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8).
Nonetheless, life with God results in good actions: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10). James says that such actions demonstrate our faith in God: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (Jam 2:18b).
In our text today about the kingdom of heaven through an analogy in the parable of the talents, Jesus emphasizes exactly that need. He talks about a man that calls over his servants and entrusts them with his wealth, in the form of talents, the monetary unit at that time. The first two showed disposition and went out immediately to apply the talents received and in a way that the amount multiplied. But the last servant only buried the talent he received. While the first two were commended for their attitude, the last one was reprimanded and lost what he had.
The Word of God continues to be the same and is valid for its readers today. God also awaits for our disposition to administer with faithfulness everything we receive from Him. We have the option to follow the example of the first two servants and use well what has been entrusted upon us or unfortunately, act like the last servant in the parable. And, for what it seems like, in our days, there are many people “burying” what they have received from God. If the majority of the Christians act this way, the declaration of Jesus registered in Matthew 9:37b will continue to be a reality – just a few serving God even though the work to be done is plentiful: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”What have you been doing with what God has given you? I want to encourage you to put yourself in disposition to accomplish the good works God has entrusted you.
What we receive from God can and should be used to glorify Him.
