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b) The Lord Rewards the Faithful (Matthew 25:19-23)
MATTHEW 25:19-23
19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 20 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 24:45-47)
God lives hidden and distant from us because of our sinfulness. We cannot see Him or know Him exactly, but our hearts long for the source of our life. All religions express their longing for the Creator. Individuals who don't long for Him are spiritually ill.
In His love, God longs for us more deeply than we long for Him. He declared Himself to us through His servants, the faithful prophets, His beloved Son, and last of all, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ's Second Coming is inevitable, for the words of His love guarantee His coming to judge the world and save His followers. We expect the coming of our Savior. We are not afraid of Him, but are longing for the One who died for us.
A tradesman is one who, having chosen his trade, takes pains to learn it. He then invests all he has for the advancement of it, makes all other affairs subordinate to it, and lives upon its profit. Thus, does a true Christian act in the work of his faith. We have no stock of our own to trade with, but trade as servants with our Master's goods. The endowments of the mind – reason, wit, learning, must be used in the service of religion. The enjoyments of the world – estate, credit, interest, power, privilege, must be improved for the glory of Christ. Communion with God is strengthened when the Gospel, Bibles, ministers, and sacraments are used for their intended purpose. The gifts and graces of the Spirit must be exercised. This is trading with our talents.
The faithful servants of Christ are ready to meet their Lord. They prepare themselves, and multiply the gifts of the Holy Spirit through their testimonies, manner of life, giving, and acts of love. Every believer becomes very rich for the Holy Spirit of God dwells in him. Wherever you share the power of your faith in your Savior to others through your testimony, the life of your heavenly Father is demonstrated. Yet it is not you that saves a man from his sins, but the Word of God, which is the power that is in you and is working through you. It is by presenting grace to those who are going astray that you seek His glory and honor.
Christ will not judge you because of your intelligence, muscular strength, or beautiful appearance. Christ, the Judge, does not judge on the basis of your natural abilities but on the basis of your faithfulness in service. An uneducated man can be more faithful than you are. This is why in heaven he will look more beautiful than you, in spite of your greater gifts. Do not be proud, but work hard for the sake of the kingdom of God, and ask your King, with humility, before He comes again, "What do you want me to do?" Then the Holy Spirit will guide you to those that are longing for love and for the Gospel. Are you faithful? Serve the Lord as His Spirit guides you so that you may share in multiplying and propagating His blessings.
Your faithfulness will be rewarded not only on earth, but in heaven when you see our Father in all His glory. The saints in heaven are not idle, but are given additional responsibilities by God; partaking of His wisdom, glory, and pleasure.
We know a poor, uneducated mother who had no talents in arts; but she prayed, sang, praised God, and worked hard to support her family. She brought her children up on the fear and love of God, and was patient as her spiritual gift was multiplied in them. Because of her faithfulness with what she had, God will honor her in person. Have you become a reason for God's pleasure because of your humbleness and faithfulness?
PRAYER: Holy Father, we thank You because You granted us many gifts, and qualified us by the blood of Your Son for eternal life. We glorify You, praise You, and ask Your Holy Spirit to urge us to confess in word and deed the gifts You have given us that many may be blessed and Your goodness may be seen in our country. Establish us in faithfulness, wisdom, and humility that You may be pleased with our service and with the spiritual fruit of Your power in us.
QUESTION:
- How will the Lord settle accounts with His servants when He comes again?