In recent days I have been reading through Matthew. This morning’s reading was chapter 25. It contains three parables: The Ten Virgins, The Bags of Gold (Talents), and The Sheep and Goats.
In the past weeks, I have endeavored, with great vigor, to maintain a weekly walking regime. The exercise, along with a dietary shift, is part of a much-needed weight loss and healthy living initiative. I am just over three weeks into this transformation. My objective is to walk at least 3-4 days per week. This week I missed walking Monday and Tuesday and today was my first day back. My routine in recent days is to read a Scripture passage before I begin my walk, and then various commentaries as I take my morning stroll. Sidebar…When walking and reading from your phone, make sure there are no obstacles on the street, like parked cars, for example, a sudden jolting impact is often inevitable!
Matthew 25 is rich with spiritual truths, and there is not enough time in this article to pursue each nugget of wisdom. However, I want to look at a few admonitions that stood out for me. The overarching theme of the passage is a readiness for judgment, whether at Christ’s return or our departure from this life through death. In the passage of the ten virgins five were prepared and five were not. In the parable of the bags of gold (talents) two servants were faithful and one slothful. Judgment came to them all. Those who were faithful received commendation and a reward for their good stewardship. The unfaithful servants were reprimanded and cast out.
As we dig deeper, we understand that in the parable of the ten virgins there is a reference to the faithful, authentic believer/follower of Christ and the hypocrite. Matthew Henry’s commentary described it this way. “Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with the holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God.” In other words, there will be some churchgoers who say the right words but lack the regenerative heart that translates into transformed living.
The parable of the talents (verses 14- 30) reminds us that God expects his children to be faithful servants. In the passage, there were three individuals, one being given five talents, another two talents, and to the last one. The first two servants were frugal and doubled what the master had given them. The third hid his in the ground, doing nothing with what he was entrusted. Of course, we know the first two servants were commended and the last judged harshly with condemnation. There is so much to learn from this passage, but one prominent theme is stewardship. The master gave each according to their ability’s certain amounts of money with the idea they would create more wealth for his earthly kingdom. God has given each of us certain abilities and He expects us to use them to advance His Kingdom on this earth. We are not to be envious of another who has been given more, but rather use what we were given with prudence for the Kingdom’s sake. In so doing we will not be ashamed at the final judgment.
David Jeremiah says of verses 14-15. “The bags of gold (talents) represent all the opportunities God gives people to serve Him, including their wealth, reputation, abilities, and learning. This parable warns believers to diligently take everything God has given and invest it for His glory as they await Christ’s second coming.” There is an old hymn I recall singing from childhood, written by Will L. Thompson, There’s a Great Day Coming. Here is the refrain.
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready for the judgment day?
Are you ready? Are you ready? For the judgment day?
In recent days we have lost several of our dear saints from the Eastern Hills family. I think all of them could answer this question affirmatively. May we continue with steadfastness, as we keep our lamps trimmed and burning, shining forth the Light of Christ in this sin-darkened world.