Matthew 25:14-19
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Long ago I read this account in Matthew of the talents, but in truth, have always had a problem fully understanding it’s meaning. Much of it appears fairly straight forward, simple and plain. God expects us to use what he gives us to advance the Kingdom. I got that. The part I’ve always been confused with is the extreme punishment the servant with only one talent received for his lack of effort.
If you’re not familiar with this story keep reading all the way down to the 28th verse where it says, Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Wow. You see what I mean? I understand the servant made a terrible mistake. I completely get that he blew a great opportunity; but to me the punishment didn’t fit the crime. However, because it is Jesus teaching these Kingdom principles, it has to be right. So what am I missing? Where did I go wrong? More importantly, am I doing what Gods would have me do right now?
The first thing we have to do is consider the nature of God. If we look at this parable in a vacuum, it would lead us to believe that God is a mean, unreasonable bully, with little compassion and regard for human frailties (Satan would so much love for us to come to that conclusion). But those of us who have tasted of his love and experienced his kindness and tender-mercies know full well of his unwavering affection. So how do we reconcile this text? Is God a merciless, unforgiving deity, or a kind and generous friend? The answer may surprise you. He is neither. He is God.
My brothers and sisters, the love of God transcends human comprehension; and his judgment is beyond scrutiny. Our frail minds cannot contain the vastness of his understanding, nor our imaginations the depths of his insight. As we look at this scripture for what it actually says, it is a stern warning to those of us that would take lightly the one thing God holds in highest regard. And that’s souls! The fact that we would be so cavalier and lackadaisical with the Gospel is unforgivable. The fact that in our hands we have the answer to eternal life for every human being on earth, yet have decided to pretty much keep it to ourselves, is unfathomable. No wonder our churches had to be disrupted for a season. The Gospel that was designed to be shared has been buried in tradition, denominationalism, titles, positions, cliques, clubs and all manner of human strive and anguish. The very thing God gave us to set men free, has become chains around their necks. Now I can see why God would be angry.
Beloved, as we prepare ourselves for communion service, let’s do so with the singular objective of communing with the Lord regarding our individual assignments to go and share this fantastic Gospel with everyone we come in contact with. Perhaps he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
God Bless
