Friday, June 6, 2008

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Matthew 25:14-30

PSALM OF THE WEEK: Psalm 46

HYMN OF THE DAY: CH#695 “God of the Fertile Fields” http://rockhay.tripod.com/worship/music/godoffertile.htm

VERSE OF THE DAY: “For those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”  Matthew 25:29 NRSV

 

This parable changed the English language.  Look up “talent” in a dictionary and see where the word originated. Talent was term of weight (of gold or silver) and money.  Sometime before the 12^th Century it changed in English to also mean our abilities because of the common interpretation of this parable.  Some people still want it to be about money for they feel they can use verse 25 (above) to justify their greedy way of taking money from those who can least afford it.  The man entrusting his possessions to the servants until he returns obviously refers to God.   We are the servants that have been trusted with the Gospel and with all creation. Now, look at the words of the “worthless servant” (as he is called in verse 30) in verse 24.  He calls his master a mean thief.  Is God a mean thief?  Of course not.  The point is that “wicked and lazy slave” (as he is called in verse 26) does not know his master (God). Those who do not know the Lord or have faith in God will lose whatever they do have faith in. We are to know our Lord and Master and live faithfully for God forever. Those who use their faith in God will see it increase. The more you use it the more it increases.  You can either hide your little faith and remain scared of God or you can use your faith a lot and see it grow. 

 

PRAYER: O Lord and Master, let me be a productive worker for you.  May my faith always be increasing, and may I put it into action for you.  Amen.

 

See you in Church Sunday,

Pastor Sandy

 

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