Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Thursday, December 9, 2004
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this season of preparation, which reminds me this year as always that Jesus WILL return. I pray that You will pour out Your Spirit that we may all be found ready when Jesus returns. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today
Matthew 25:14-30 (Due to the size of the passage, we focused on 25:1-13 Sunday-Tuesday; and 25:14-30 Wednesday-Saturday)
14“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. 15He gave five bags of gold to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities—and then left on his trip. 16The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. 17The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. 18But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money for safekeeping.
19“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, ‘sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 21The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22“Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, ‘sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 23The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24“Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, ‘sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.’
26“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! You think I’m a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn’t plant and gathering crops I didn’t cultivate? 27Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. 30Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Reflecting on God's Word
What do you think would be the greatest reward you could ever receive from God?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
How did the master respond to the work of the first two servants? (25:19-23)
What specific reward did each receive? (25:19-23)
Understanding God's Word
What does this Scripture teach us about God and His Kingdom?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What does today’s Scripture call you to do right now?
Thoughts..."Well Done..."
Every follower of Jesus longs for the day when he or she will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” The first two servants show us how we may assure ourselves of just that: First, they trusted their master’s goodness enough to go out and risk everything for Him. When they invested His wealth the possibility of failure was there, yet they invested it nevertheless. They must have trusted that their relationship with the master, would prevail in such an event. They also exercised diligence. They worked hard while the Master was gone. They didn’t work to gain their master’s favor, but because they already had it and wanted to please Him even more! As we go about this day, may we also exercise the same trust and diligence as they!