Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Saturday, December 11, 2004
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank you for another week of preparing the way of the Lord! I pray that as I go about this day, that You will use me to share the new life of Jesus with at least one other person. I pray that my words may glorify You, and that my actions may draw attention to the wonders of Your transforming power in my life. This I ask 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 is the worst punishment you have ever received for anything?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
How did the Master respond to the servant’s evaluation of the Master? (25:26-30)
What was the source of the servant’s punishment? (25:26-30)
Understanding God's Word
What conclusion does Jesus leave us to draw from this Scripture?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Where are there matters in your life that you need to address in order to bring your relationship with Jesus to where it needs to be?
Thoughts..."...Outer Darkness..."
Nobody likes to think about it, and in our day not to many pastors are preaching about it, but there IS a place of “outer darkness” reserved for those who are unfaithful to the Master—to Jesus. As we go about each day, we must remember the goodness and mercy of the Master so that we will risk everything in our diligent application of our lives to advancing His interests. The celebration awaits each of us who trusts Jesus for our salvation and follows Him obediently. May we, indeed, be servants who hear the words, “Well done, ….” May we be servants who one day join in the eternal celebration reserved for those whom the Master calls!