25:15-30
So in this well known parable the master gives five bags of gold to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to a third, “each according to his ability”. The first two put their money to work and double their money. The third person, who had only one bag, dug a hole in the ground and buried it. When the master returned he met with each of the servants. The first two got very good reports, and were told “ you have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things”. The third person received a very bad report. He is severely rebuked for not doing anything with the money and he is thrown out into the darkness, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”.
So we know this parable very well, but let’s look at the lessons we can learn. First, remember that this part of the teaching on the last days or second coming of Christ. The overriding lesson is that we are to make use of the resources that God gives us to do His work. God expects a return! In terms of the second coming, the third man could be likened to those who waste all their time speculating about when or how He will return.
Jesus often added wee surprise twists to His parables. Here it is the man with only one bag of gold who gets it in the neck. We can always find excuses for not doing much, we only have one talent or whatever. This is no excuse. We were created to be fruitful, and were saved to be fruitful.
Sometimes people have very silly ideas of “heaven”. One thing that will not be happening is that we will not be sitting around all day doing nothing. We will be put in charge of many things.
Finally, life here and now matters. We are to get on with serving God today.
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