Two-minute read.
In the Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-23, the master goes on a journey, leaving his servants in charge of his property. Upon his departure, the man gave talents to three servants: five to the first, two to the second, and one to the third. Talent, a measure of money, refers to silver or gold.[1] When the master returned, the first and second servants doubled his money, while the last one buried his talent and made nothing. Joyful over the profit made in his absence, the owner praised the wise servants who increased his wealth with today’s verse.
As servants of the Lord, one day, He will return, and we will give an account of our actions. If we follow God’s commands, we will grow His kingdom. However, if we bury our treasures and do nothing with them, nothing grows. Everyone wants to hear the Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Bringing joy to the Almighty through our actions requires us to manage our blessings well.
Lately, the Holy Spirit has increased my generosity. While getting a drink at Starbucks, I felt compelled to pay for the person’s order in the car behind me. Scrolling through social media, I saw a post from a nonprofit organization that supports moms and their babies. In need of diapers and other necessities, I felt prompted to place an order from their wish list. And when the owner of the store where I rent a booth came by during an event, I had the immediate urge to give her my latest Christmas devotion. Every one of those acts came from a divine nudge that I followed. As we draw closer to the Savior, we become more sensitive to His prompts and obey quickly.
Obeying the Lord refreshes our souls and brings joy to our hearts. One day, we’ll hear the longed-for words from Jesus, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Journal Questions:
When have you done something that makes you feel God’s pleasure?
How have you managed the resources God gives you?
How can you become more sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings?
Joyful Application:
Tune in to the Spirit’s promptings today and follow His nudges.
[1] https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/38373/in-the-parable-of-the-talents-matthew-25-how-did-the-servants-trade-theirtal#:~:text=In%20New%20Testament%20times%2C%20it,years’%20wages%20for%20a%20labourer.
