May We “BE the CHURCH”
- Would we consider ourselves “extraordinary”?
- Would we consider ourselves “extra-special”?
- Would others look at our talents and cry, “My, I wish I had talent like that person does”?
What have we been given by God that we can share with others, that would make others’ lives easier, better, sweeter, and even draw them to see God through us?
There are so many questions we can ask ourselves, but these particular ones come today as we see the difference as Jesus sees. Before we go any further, let me say that for years, it has been a struggle to read this biblical passage and totally agree with what the Lord is speaking through it, but today, it is a truth that cannot be set aside any longer.
- We live in a selfish time!
- We live in a place and space where—“If it feels good (to me), then it must be the RIGHT action, reaction, circumstance, or relationship (for me).
- We live in a world where we turn our eyes more upon the mirror, seeing our own reflection rather than God’s Word, seeing how our image reflects Jesus to the world.
It is time Christians stop playing “church,” and instead step into the world to actually “be the church” because at 8 billion people strong, there are many more hurting, struggling, wayward individuals who do not know God than ever before.
Let’s pause to read the words of our Savior Jesus, words that will step upon our hearts as we consider our own lives. Please take up your Bible and read with me.
Jesus said—
“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.
(Matthew 25: 14-15 NASB)
To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”
Now, if we know the parable, we recall how the slave with five invested his talents and doubled them.
The slave with two talents earned two additional talents.
However, the slave with the one talent became frightened, and so he dug a hole and buried his talent, keeping it safe.
Then the day came when the master of the three slaves returned.
- The one with five talents stood before the master and revealed how his five talents had been doubled; now there were ten talents.
- The one with two talents stood before the master and revealed how his two talents had been doubled; now there were four talents.
- The one with one talent stood before the master and gave an excuse, an accusation about how the master was “a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed” (verse 24).
The master responded to all three slaves!
To the first two slaves who invested the talents that were entrusted to their care, the master replied—
“Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.”
(verses 21 & 23)
HOWEVER, TO THE SLAVE WHO SQUANDERED HIS TALENT (aka “buried it”), to that slave, he said—
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed?
(Matthew 25: 26-28 NASB)
Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.
Therefore, take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ “
If you are a child of God, then you know that each Christian is given a gift of the Holy Spirit; the Bible says it is so. Some are given more, but all are given one.
ONE GIFT!
ONE TALENT ENTRUSTED TO OUR CARE TO USE IN SERVICE FOR THE MASTER!
- NEVER DOES THE MASTER WISH FOR US TO BURY OUR GIFT, SQUANDER OUR TALENT, OR BURY IT IN HIDING!
- GOD GAVE US HIS SON—HIS LIFE FOR OURS—WE ARE TO SHARE JESUS THROUGH OUR SPIRITUAL GIFT!
Questions to Ponder:
- Have we prayed, asking the LORD to reveal our spiritual gift to us?
- Have we used the spiritual gift given specifically to us for the MASTER’S good?
- Have we read the rest of our Lord’s parable so that we are reminded of the teaching Jesus wants us to see?
Let’s read the final words of Jesus, words that will step on our hearts, convict our souls, and spur us to kneel upon our knees in repentance. Please read with me as our eyes are illuminated to see ourselves as Jesus does.
Jesus said to the slave who had buried his one talent in fear—
“Therefore, take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
(Matthew 25: 28-30 NASB)
For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who does not have, even that what he does have shall be taken away.
And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness, in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
- Jesus is not looking for extraordinary people for his mission—only faithful people.
- Jesus sends us into the world through our local church so that HE can be known locally and globally.
- Jesus gave “the Great Commission” to every believer, to every follower!
- Jesus calls ordinary people—like you & like me—into His mission field.
- Jesus equips us through His Holy Spirit with a spiritual gift (maybe even with multiple gifts), and as our MASTER, we are to invest that which He has given to us!
May We “BE the CHURCH!”
- May We “BE on MISSION” Wherever Jesus Sends Us to Go!
- May We Always Remember How God Tells Us, “Be fruitful & multiply.”
- May We Remember—GOD MEANS WHAT HE SAYS!
- May We Recall—PEOPLE WE KNOW ARE DYING LOST!
May We “BE the CHURCH” TODAY!