Laura J. Davis

Today's Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

If you read through today's passage without knowing it's context, you will think that the master referred to in this parable is rather harsh. But, I'm not going to let you take it out of context, so let's dig a little deeper shall we?

The Parable of the Talents, as it is commonly referred to, is the continuation of a conversation Jesus was having with his disciples on the signs of the end times. The whole discourse takes up two chapters (Matt. 24 & 25). That is why, when Jesus starts the reading for today, He says, "Again, it will be like..."

What was Jesus talking about? What is 'it'? Turn to Matthew 24:3 and you will see that Jesus' disciples are asking Him what would be the signs of His coming again and the end of the age. Jesus then mentions what the world will be like, how believers in Him will be treated and gives many warnings on how we should live. He also gives two different parables on what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like and quite frankly those two examples should pretty much scare everyone of us! Why? Because, the Kingdom of Heaven is not just a place, but a lifestyle. It begins within you, with the gifts, talents, opportunities, etc. that God has blessed you with.

I'll use myself as an example to explain what I mean. As a child I was always singing. This gift from God was a natural talent He blessed me with. I didn't start to use this talent for Him though, until after I committed my life to God. Up until that time, I had used my gift for myself. I sang because I enjoyed it. I sang so that I could make money. I sang so that I could become famous. Do you see the main theme here? It was me, myself and 'I'. I was the center of my universe. Not God, and I was going to do whatever was necessary to make it big in the music industry.

Fortunately, God found me first and I committed my singing to Him. My singing teacher at the time was disgusted with me. I'll never forget her words when I told her that I was not going to study opera, but instead was going to sing for the Lord. She said, "You are going to give up a promising career to sing silly little songs for God? You are crazy!"

But not singing for God would have made me like the servant with one talent. I would have effectively been burying my voice in the ground. I used my voice for God everyday of my life, until He in His perfect wisdom decided that it was time for me to gain another talent and go into a new ministry. Can I still sing? Not like I used to, but if God calls me to sing again, I know that He will restore my voice.

But, it isn't just talents that God blesses us with for His Kingdom. He also blesses us with various strengths, from working with children, to running a business, to teaching, pastoring, mentoring - the list can go on and on. So what talents, strengths, or resources have you been blessed with? Are you using them wisely?

If Jesus returned today, what would He say about the way you've used what He gave you? What will you do this week with the talents, strengths and resources God has given you to prepare for His coming Kingdom? Are you ready?