 JUST THIS MORNING Just this morning, I heard a discussion by some talking heads on T.V. They were discussing the economy, arguing about whether the President has done a good job with our economy. "It all depends on which measuring stick you use," one quipped. "Well, he inherited a surplus and now we're in a deficit," the other countered. They were both right and they were both wrong. It is a matter of whose measuring stick you use and, yes, we are stewards who must give an account. In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples a story with a point. He compared the kingdom of God in the last days to a master who gave some money to his servants. "Talent" is the word Jesus used. It was a very familiar term that His hearers would immediately recognize. To His hearers then, it meant an amount of money equaling approximately $1,000. So for our purposes the story goes this way. A master entrusted his servants with his money. To one he entrusted $5,000. To another he entrusted $2,000. And to a third he gave $1,000. What they did with his property is what this story is all about. They were stewards. The money was not their own. It was his, and he came back one day and called them to account for what they did with his money. We, of course, ascribe another meaning to the word talent. The etymology of the word has evolved to mean our "abilities," our "unique giftedness." The meaning of the parable remains the same. What have we done with the talents with which we have been entrusted by God? You will remember that the Bible says, that even our lives are not our own. We have been bought with a price. As we read His Word this morning, let it be with an open mind and a willing spirit. It is never too late to get busy for Him and to invest His talents for His purposes. Pastor Jim |
