For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Matthew 25:14
Dear Church and Friends
The command to “watch” that comes at the end of the first parable in Matthew 25 sets the stage for the second parable. Beginning in verse 14 Jesus relates the parable of the man who goes into a far country. When he returns he reckons with his servant that he has left in charge.
We are given a beautiful definition of what it means to watch. The servants are each given a part of the man’s estate, two of the three put their talents to work. They are not given a deadline so the two immediately begin to trade with the money.
Watching then is an active faith investing what the Lord has given us so that he will receive more when he returns. First, we must see everything we have as a loan from the Lord. Second, we must ask ourselves what we are doing with that loan. Are we spending it on ourselves or on the Kingdom (remember the man represents the kingdom of heaven)?
Finally, when he comes to reckon with us what will our standing be? This is a sobering question, one that each of us will have to take into the prayer closet. Let this thought encourage you to do more with the resources he has entrusted to you.
Poetry: A short one today from Edmond. Please click on the link to read, Hear Me Potter.
Music: In the Garden by Tim Kennedy
Prayer: Please pray for the following requests.
- Kathy Renner’s brother, Bruce Floyd. He will be having tests on his heart function over the next several days. Please pray that the doctors will find out why he is struggling.
- Tim and Kim asked us to pray for the Poncho Madkins family. They recently lost his mother.
- Continue to pray for Mollie Teegarden and her family.
- Melissa Mann will be going to the hospital tomorrow to deliver her third child. Pray for safety for mom, dad and new baby girl.
- Ask the Lord what else you can do to grow the kingdom of God.
Catechism: The Principles of the Christian Religion.
Question 83: What is the seventh commandment?
Answer: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Question 84: What is required by this commandment?
Answer: The preservation of the chastity of men’s persons, for the keeping whereof wedlock is commanded unto them that stand in need thereof.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
All my best.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Matthew 25:26-27
The Bible Bistro 