Bags of Gold

June 29
Matthew 25:14-30
Call to Worship: Psalm 30:8-12
OT Reading: Isaiah 30:1-5

This parable is part of three that Jesus told on the steps of the temple the week he was crucified. He talking about the Kingdom of Heaven in the context of his return at the end of the age.
Here he says that the kingdom of heaven is like a man entrusting his servants with his possessions before he leaves on a long journey. To each slave he gives talents—or bags of gold. After a long time, the master returns and demands a reckoning from his servants. To those who put his wealth to work, he gives glory and honor and happiness. But to the slave who hid his gold, he condemns and sends into the outer darkness—“where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus’ words fill me with hope, while making me shudder as well. Jesus is the master. The servants are obviously the people of God. The bags of gold—God’s gift of salvation, the spiritual gifts he blesses us with, as well as the opportunities education, abilities, experiences we have in this life. What will Jesus say to us on the day of reckoning? Will we hear “well done, good and faithful servant,” or those dreadful words of condemnation?

Our secular culture pressures us to bury our gift, to avoid telling others about the riches of the gospel each of us has been entrusted with. We often don’t say anything because we fear we will say too much, that we will offend, that we will push people away, or that we will be shamed ourselves. Often, we just over-schedule our lives, crowding out opportunities to talk to others about what are the true riches of our lives. Even if we “screw our courage to the sticking point”--to quote Lady Macbeth—what will we say? To whom? And when?

This is a call to lean on our savior. After all, it’s his kingdom. Image that at the start of each day that you reach into that bag of gold you’ve been given. You take out a coin and ask Jesus, “what do I do today? To whom shall I speak? How shall I use the treasure you have entrusted me with today?”

But you might say to me. How do I speak to Jesus so directly? How will I know his voice?

Good questions. For this, we must tune our souls. To do this, I suggest you consider joining the Year in the Life … project. Our bulletins contained five areas of discipleship that our leadership discerned essential for our growth as God’s people this year. They are.

1. worship
2. fellowship
3. prayer
4. biblical literacy
5. getting your house in order.

Pray about each category, and set a goal for each. How can I increase my attendance at worship? Is there a small group I can join? I will spend 5 more minutes in prayer each morning? I will take the book marks in the bulletin and begin a regular schedule of bible reading? Or what area of my life needs cleaning up? These practices will tune your soul so that you will better attend to Jesus. Then you will better be able to hear and understand his voice.

The stakes are high. In fact, they could not be higher. The words of the master’s condemnation should put the fear of God in our souls. But remember, the fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom.

Jesus is our shepherd. It is he that promises to lead us in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Look to the shepherd of your souls.

Grace and peace,
James Kearny

Discussion questions:
Look at the Year in the Life … list. Take some time to ponder them. What 2 categories strike you? Write down two goals for each. Tuck them into your pocket. Will you follow through?