Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 229

August 15;     Matthew 25:24;     25/260(III);      ‘The Hidden Talent’

Matthew 25:24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

In this parable, we see the man (the Lord) distribute talents to his servants.  To one servant he gave five talents, to another servant two talents and to this third servant one talent.  The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 1:5 that before we were formed in our mother’s womb, the Lord knew us and in Jeremiah’s case, called him to be a prophet.  The Lord who created us knows each of us intimately and has given to each of us at least one talent to use for His glory.  The first two servants each doubled their talents, meaning they made good use of the abilities the Lord gave them.  The Lord was pleased with them and promoted them.  They received the same reward even though one was given five talents and the other two.  The Lord rewards us based only on what He has called each of us to do.  We are never compared to another.  Also, if we are faithful to use what the Lord gives us, our lives will be successful and we will be fulfilled.  The servant who was given one talent, did nothing with what he was given.  This represents so many backslidden Christians.  They are not willing, for any number of reasons, to do the Lord’s work and fulfill His ministry for them.  This servant made up an excuse why he didn’t do what he was called to do.  He blamed his lord, making up a lie concerning his lord’s character. This represents not taking the time to get to know his lord. This servant received no reward and disappointed his lord.  Your talent is vital for the lost.