Devotional 11-21-08

USE IT AND LOSE IT
Readings: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Quotes like “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” surface, as does the statement “If you prefer security to opportunity, you’re doomed from the start.” Both of these have a significant relationship to Jesus’ parable of the Talents.

The parable itself is part of the farewell discourse on the Mount of Olives during which Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus also reveals signs that will precede his personal return. After telling the parable of the Fig Tree, Jesus gives four other parables: the Thief in the Night, the Faithful and Wicked Servants, the Ten Virgins, and the parable of the Talents—our text.

In this parable a master travels to another country, leaving his capital in the hands of three servants. Today we use the word talent to refer to some special ability or aptitude one might have, as for example, a talent in music or art. However, in Jesus’ time talent referred to wealth and was not a coin but a measure of weight. A silver talent for example, was worth about $1,000. (Some translations indicate the servant hid his master’s silver.)

Suffice to say, a talent amounted to a considerable amount of money. The servant who received five talents and the one who received two talents traded them, each doubling his capital. The servant with only one talent did not attempt to invest but dug a hole and hid it in the ground.

When the master returned there was a day of reckoning. With joy the servants who had invested their capital made their reports. To each of them the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”(v. 21 NIV).

The man who received the single talent also reported. The reprimand of this servant was as severe as the master’s commendation for the other two servants was glorious. This servant was called wicked and lazy, the opposite of good and faithful.

The master took away the one talent this servant had, gave it to the one who now had ten talents, and expelled the unfaithful servant from his presence. This is figuratively expressed as being thrown into the darkness.

Jesus adds no explanation of the parable, yet the emphasis is on service. Blessings bring responsibility and accountability. God’s gifts are tools to be used in the divine kingdom and not prizes to enjoy along the way. In a very real sense we use these gifts or we lose them. This may be disturbing or sound harsh, but it is true.

What of our talents? Talents come in all sizes and shapes. God blesses everyone with some talent—the just as well as the unjust. Lest we become proud of our particular talent, the Bible notes that we are given talents “according to our . . . ability.” All people are created equal only in the sense that all have equal chance to prove themselves. Somewhere along the line we all realize we are unequal in looks, in opportunity, in advantages, even in mental capacity. When you get right down to it, all talents are undeserved.

One thing, however, is supremely clear. God expects each of us to perform up to our own capability. The five-talent individual is expected to produce five additional talents and the two-talent individual is not condemned if he only produces two additional talents. The one-talent person was not required to produce five talents! You might say all talents are like coins: on one side is written “endowment” and on the other, “accountability.”

Never forget that the reward for faithfulness is greater opportunity and greater responsibility. Both the five-talent and the two-talent person were given additional talents, which meant more responsibility. Polio vaccine inventor Dr. Jonas Salk said it well: “The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.” If you think because of your faithfulness you will be relieved of further responsibility, think again!

The “villain” in this parable is the one-talent individual. In calling this person “wicked,” Jesus used the same term he used six times in reference to Satan, seven times in a general sense, and only two times related to a character outside Satan. “Wicked” is a strong, strong word in the Bible.

Far too many church members are doing exactly what this one-talent person did. Afraid of any risk, they bury their talent and refuse to get involved in meaningful Christian service of any kind. These people minimize the talent they have.

How many church members do you know who “used to” sing, “used to” teach, “used to” visit, “used to” help around the church? Look at them now and realize this parable is so true to life—you really do lose what you refuse to use! Obviously, God expects from each of us faithfulness, dependability, tenacity, diligence, and discipline. Anything else merits no commendation from God, only condemnation. We bring it on ourselves.

George Buttrick, in his fine book, The Parables of Jesus, tells of visiting an ancient abbey in France named “Our Lady of the Risk.” Upon investigation he found this was a reference to none other than Mary, the mother of Jesus, who risked everything to have the Christ child. What was the master looking for from his servants when he returned from his journey? Not fame, but faithfulness. Not genius, but goodness. Not degrees, but dependability. Those God commends are those willing to work while others play, to study while others sleep, to risk all for God’s sake rather than play it safe for their own sake.

The practical appeal of the parable is clear. This parable is a stimulus to faithfulness in service, knowing of a sure and glorious reward. At the same time, it is a warning against sloth or laziness, knowing the sure and certain loss.

Written by Drew J. Gunnells Jr.
For J. Jasper