“Burying Talents Loses Them”

The Theology of Work (TOW) Bible Commentary* reviews the “Parable of the Talents” found in Matthew 25:14-30. The commentary on the well-known parable (a short and simple story that teaches a moral, spiritual or religious lesson) spoke to my heart as I view Christian service or work for the Lord. A redacted (shortened) portion of the commentary reads as such:

One of Jesus’ most significant parables regarding work is set in the context of investments (Matt. 25:14-30). A rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants. He gives five talents (a large unit of money) to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third. Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money, but severely punishes the servant who did nothing.

Let’s examine the theme, “Burying Talents Loses Them”

Theme: “Burying Talents Loses Them”

Read Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)

 

Reflection:

The meaning of the parable extends far beyond financial investments. God has given each person a wide variety of natural talents and spiritual gifts, and he expects each person to employ them in His service. It is not acceptable merely to put those natural talents and spiritual gifts on a closet shelf and ignore them (i.e. bury them). Much like the three servants, we do not have talents and gifts of the same degree. But, the Lord expects us to nurture and use, for His service, the talents and gifts we have been given.

It is understood that the servant who received one talent was not condemned for failing to reach the five-talent goal; he was condemned because he did nothing with what he was given. What you have been given from the Lord to be used in His service includes spiritual graces, skills, abilities, family connections, social positions, education, experiences, and more.

The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been freely given and have freely received for the Lord’s purposes. The severe consequences to the unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere business mediocrity, tell us that we are to invest our natural talents, spiritual gifts, and ultimately our lives in the Lord’s service, not waste (bury) them.

You may ask, “How can we use the Matthew 25:14-30 scripture and commentary in practical ways?”

The answer is the Lord has given you at least one natural talent and/or spiritual gift. He has given and entrusted to you something that is of great value to Him. It is meant to be received and invested to glorify the Lord and edify (build up) the Church. The natural talent or spiritual gift might be spiritual graces; or might be teaching, singing, preaching, ushering, or service to some other need.

It must be understood that when you refuse to invest your natural talent or spiritual gift, you are actually burying it. This demonstrates an attitude of in-gratitude, selfishness, and ultimately a resentment of the Lord’s authority. There is no way to know how many lives could have been won for Christ if only you had nurtured your talent or gift and invested it in service to the Lord.

But, what can be known for certain is that as the scripture states in verses 29 and 30 that those that have invested in service to the Lord will be given more. Those that have buried what was given and received from the Lord will lose all. They will lose what was initially given and received, and what would be given in the future to include even their eternal life. So, if you have refused to use your natural talent or spiritual gift for the Lord; No Excuses! Be Warned!

Amen!

Ref:

*http://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/living-in-the-new-kingdom-matthew-18-25/the-parable-of-the-talents-matthew-2514-30/

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“Jewels and Jewelry for Christmas”

The Christmas season advertising demonstrates the lack of recognition that it is the birthday of Jesus Christ not an opportunity to request and purchase all the items and trinkets that you desired all year long. It is also an opportunity to request that someone else pay for and purchase your heart’s desire. The items that seem to be most requested are jewels and jewelry.

The television commercials and magazine advertisements display those brilliantly sparkling jewels of every color, size and shape. The typical purchases are diamonds and sometimes birthstones and gems in settings of gold, silver and platinum. Each of these has a specific symbolism and meaning. This is also true of the precious jewels and jewelry mentioned in the Bible.

The Bible contains what is known as “emblematic jewels”. These jewels symbolize important symbols within the Bible. A symbol is a sign which suggests meaning rather than stating it. A symbol is similar in some way to the item it represents thus it gives you an impression that helps you to understand what is portrayed.

So, when asked “What do you want for Christmas?” Just say, “I want emblematic jewels”. That will certainly bring a response of “I never heard of those before. Where do you find that jewelry”? or “What store should I go to purchase them”? You can then say, “Glad you asked. They are very valuable, beautiful, durable, splendid and rare. But, you can’t purchase them. They are absolutely free”.

Let’s examine “emblematic jewels”…

Theme: “Jewels and Jewelry for Christmas”

Scripture Reading:

Ezekiel 28:13 – You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.

  

Reflection:

The Bible has many references to jewels and jewelry. There is jewelry that is worn. There are jewels that surround; and jewels that complement. Each time jewels are mentioned in the Bible, they symbolize God’s love and the care and value He places on each of us. Each jewel mentioned represents how precious we are to God and how He wants the absolute best for us. Here are the jewels and jewelry of the Bible.

Jewels of “Knowledge” – Proverbs 20:15

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

 

Jewels of “Wisdom” – Job 28:18

Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

Jewels of “Defense” – Isaiah 54:12

I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

 

Jewelry of “The Breastplate of the High Priests” – Exodus 28:17-20

¹⁷ Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; ¹⁸ the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; ¹⁹ the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.

Jewels personally inscribed on “The Foundations of the New Jerusalem” – Revelation 21: 14, 19-21:

¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

 

Jewels of a “Women’s worth” – Proverbs 31:10:

¹⁰ Who can find an excellent woman? She is worth far more than rubies.

Jewels around “The throne of God” – Revelation 4:3

³ The one who sat there shone like jasper and ruby. Around the throne was a rainbow shining like an emerald.

Praise God for how much value He places on your life as He compares you and desires for you the most precious and marvelous jewels there are in all creation. God views you as very valuable, beautiful, durable/capable, splendid and rare. So, if you don’t receive your desired jewelry for Christmas, remember all the beautiful jewels and jewelry you desire awaits you in Jesus Christ.

Amen!

“It’s Not About You”

Most people would agree that they want the very best for themselves. This desire challenges us to work hard, study long hours, and do everything within our power to be the best so that we can attain the very best of everything. But, truth being told, in a lot of instances, we really don’t know what is the best thing for ourselves. We judge what is best by what the world says is best.

That was the predicament, Martha found herself in when Jesus came to visit her household. Martha wanted the very best, not necessarily for Jesus, but what was the very best for her. It was all about Martha. Martha wanted to be known as a celebrated gracious hostess and a great cook. She wanted to be known for an immaculately clean house with everything in order. Martha had high expectations of how she would be viewed after Jesus’ visit.

But, exactly the opposite happened. Martha planned to have her sister, Mary, help her with all the preparations. But, Mary did not share in the same expectations as Martha. Mary had no pretense of being the best cook, having the cleanest house, or winning a “Miss Hospitality” award. Mary just wanted to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him talk. It was enough for Mary just to be in Jesus’ presence.

According to Martha, Mary was not doing her part. So, conflict arose. Let’s see what happened, as we examine, “It’s Not About You”.

Theme: “It’s Not About You”

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42(NIV)

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

Reflection:

Mary strived for the best. She would go to any length to ensure she had everything just right as Jesus came to visit. But, when things did not turn out her way, she became critical and bitter and went to Jesus to complain. Martha’s complaint was not a general “I’m having a bad day” complaint, but was focused specifically on her sister.

First, Martha tried to guilt Jesus by saying, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” Then, Martha tried to persuade Jesus with a manipulative emotional plea by saying to Jesus, “Tell her to help me!”

But, much to Martha’s surprise, Jesus did not react to Martha’s attempts to shift blame on Mary, project guilt on him, and make an emotional desperate outcry. Jesus supported Mary and her desire to simply sit at his feet and listen to him talk.

• Remember, it was Jesus that fed 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. So, Jesus was certainly not concerned about having enough food. Jesus could multiply whatever food Martha had at her home to feed himself and others. (See Luke 9 :10 – 17)
• Remember, when Jesus was talking with the Samaritan woman at the well, he said his food was to do the will of God who sent him and to finish God’s work See John 4:1-35).

Jesus wanted to just spend time sharing with and witnessing to Martha’s household. Jesus basically said to Martha, “It’s Not About You”. “Mary is doing her part which is simply to spend time with me”.

So, in the church when you feel yourself getting all worked up because your sister or brother in Christ are not meeting your expectations, just relax and know the reason you are at church is to spend time with Jesus our Lord. It’s not an opportunity to make a name for yourself. It’s not a time to be impressive. It’s not a time to find fault in others. It’s your opportunity to simply enjoy the fellowship of Jesus.

Amen!

“Do Not Attempt This On Your Own”

I sometimes enjoy watching television shows that have competitions of talent. These shows bring in people or groups with unusual acts and allow them to demonstrate their talents. One of the acts that caught my attention was a daredevil act in which trapeze performers were spun around from great heights with their hair providing support for their bodies.

The host of the show stated a warning to the viewing audience by saying, “Do Not Attempt This On Your Own”. The warning resounded to the audience because the performance was dangerous, required special understanding, skills, and peak physicality. So, the act was certainly not something you would or should attempt on your own.

I reflected that the Bible tells us not to attempt, “LIFE” on our own. But, along with that warning, the Bible gives us an assurance that God will be with us in whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. God the Holy Spirit will be there for the believer in Jesus Christ. 

 

Theme:“Do Not Attempt This On Your Own”

Scripture Reading: John 14:26 (NKJV)

²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

 

Reflection:

In John 14 verse 26 Jesus is stating that the Holy Spirit will be with His believers. He is making a promise that the believers will not be alone. The Holy Spirit is a teacher and a reminder of what has been taught. It is also known that the Holy Spirit is a comforter, counselor, and guide (John 14; and 16).

Other promises of God’s presence and care for the believers are found in Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) which states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Thus, God has made preparations so that we don’t have to attempt life on our own.

In summary, God is there for believers so that whatever is attempted is not attempted alone. God in the Holy Spirit is there to assure safety, resources, provisions, and strength. What a great promise!

Amen!