14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15And 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. -Matthew 25:14, 15 (KJV)
A friend of mine told me he how had attended an auction recently and for the bargain basement price of $10.00 had acquired a box of miscellaneous items. Included in this odd assortment of stuff was a catalogue which was over 50 years old and in fairly good condition. My friend listed the catalogue on Ebay and was pleasantly surprised when it sold for over $100.00. Not a bad return on his investment!
Jesus told a parable about a man who traveled to a far country, but before he left gave each of his servants a certain amount of wealth which was to be entrusted to their care. The first was given five talents, the second two, and the last one. Jesus referred to the amount as “talents,” which means they could have been amounts of silver or gold. According to one source, if this was gold the worth was staggering. If in today's money an ounce of gold is worth $1,200 U.S., one talent is worth around $1,440,000 U.S! If you read the rest of the parable (vv 14-30) you will find the first two servants doubled their master’s money while he was away. However, the third servant took the money and hid it in the ground and simply gave it back upon the master’s return.
Jesus said the master was pleased with the first two, yet was angry with the third. The servant had squandered the great wealth with which he had been presented. Jesus told this parable to illustrate how easy it is to waste the gifts the Lord gives us. Countless people have been blessed with wonderful resources which could be used in serving the Lord, yet they either keep it to themselves or fail to use them at all. Many years ago I met a man who lived off and on at the local homeless shelter. Drugs and alcohol had wrecked his life, health, and relationship with family. I had brought my guitar to the meeting at the shelter to use as part of the worship time and afterward the man asked if he might play a song. I handed him the guitar was impressed with his ability. Sadly, his musical gifts had lain dormant beneath the addiction which ravaged his life.
We are called by God to put to use whatever gifts and talents the Lord has given. Some reading this have been given gifts of preaching, teaching, music, and other abilities, yet have not been using them.
My friends, it isn’t too late. Begin using for God’s glory whatever abilities you have and the Lord will multiply them in His service.
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