Reading: Matthew 25:24-30
Matthew 25:29 – “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have in abundance.”
Today we turn to the third servant and the conclusion of the parable of the talents. The third servant comes forward and gives an account of his stewardship of the master’s money. But first he offers the logic behind his choices. The third servant identifies the master as a “harsh man,” one who harvests where he did not plant. While we do not know if this is an accurate description of the master, we do know that it is the servant’s perspective. Because of this perception, he feared losing any of the master’s money. Or… he so despised the master that he refused to use his gifts and talents on the master’s behalf. Fear and hatred are powerful motivators. They can certainly influence our decisions and actions too.
All kinds of fear can affect us. We can be afraid to even know our gifts and talents – because then God and maybe others will expect us to use them. We can be afraid to use our gifts and talents because we might find ourselves in a risky situation or in one that demands even more from us. Or we might fear how others will react when we try and use our gifts and talents. We fear rejection, ridicule, rage. For some, because of a past experience, they see God as harsh or cruel or… They refuse to do anything that might benefit or geow God’s kingdom here on earth.
In the parable, the master reacts harshly to the third servant, calling him “wicked and lazy.” The one bag of silver is taken from him and given to the one with ten. To me, it sounds like the master stops talking and Jesus himself begins to speak in verse 29. Here we read, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have in abundance.” It is not those who have but those who “use well” what they have that will be given more, even to the point of abundance. Those who use their gifts and talents well will find even more opportunities to use those gifts and talents, bearing even more fruit for the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.
Prayer: Lord God, first, reveal our gifts and talents to us all. And then, when we do find ourselves in a place to serve you and maybe others, grant us the courage and the trust to step into that opportunity. Lead and guide us by the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, using us as love and grace, peace and hope, healing and comfort… Amen.
