Virgins & Talents

7. April 2009 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

Today we will cover Chapter 25 in summary.  Yesterday, our discussion came out of the disciples coming to Jesus and asking him what would be a sign to know that the end of the world was near and for the punishment of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, blasphemy, and false teachings. 

Today, Jesus gives us several parables that describe what it will be like when the “Son of Man” will return to earth. 

The first parable talks about how the kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were wise and five of them were foolish.  The foolish ones took their lamps but had no oil for them but the wise had both their lamps and vessels of oil for the lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept and at midnight, there was a cry made that the bridegroom was coming and everyone was to go out to meet him. 

All the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps and the foolish said unto the wise; “give us some of your oil for our lamps have gone out.”  The wise refused because then they would not have enough oil for their journey and they instructed them to go and buy oil.  While the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came and those that were ready went in with him unto the wedding and the door was shut.  The foolish came banging on the door asking the Lord to open but he answered; “I know you not.” 

The lesson of this parable is to: Watch therefore for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.    We must always be ready to meet our Lord.  There will be no time to get it together when he comes, we must live in a state of readiness with an anticipation of return and with that mindset, and we will always be prepared.

The second parable that Jesus gives talks about how the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country and he called his servants to him before he left to give them talents so that they could make good use of their time while he was away.  To one he gave five talents, to another two and to another one.  He gave each man talents according to their ability. 

While the man was away on his journey, the one with the five talents went and traded and made five more talents which mean he doubled his money.  The one who he gave two talents did the same but the one with the one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid it.  When the Lord returned, he called his servants to him to give an account of their productivity while he was away.  The ones that were given the five and two talents reported that they had doubled their money and the Master says; “well done thy good and faithful servant, thou have been faithful over a few things and I will make you ruler over many, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” 

Now it came time for the one that was given one talent to report and he tells his Lord that he hid it in the earth and here is the same talent that you gave me.  The Lord’s response to this servant was: “thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not and gather where I have not strawed thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers and then at my coming I should have received own with usury.”   Take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which now hath ten talents. 

The point of this parable is found in verse # 29;  “ For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

God wants us to be productive with the gifts and abilities that He has given us.   It is not enough to say what God gave you it is still with you, God expects to see a return on his investment of gifts that he has placed on the inside of us and our life in general.   We are stewards over our money, time, talents, gifts, etc.  There should be an increase in our lives of our talents and we should not compare ourselves to what others are doing.   Remember in the parable, the Lord administered the gifts according to the ability of the person so God knows each one of us and he has distributed to us what we need and what we can handle and He expects us to show signs of increase. 

While we are waiting on the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God expects us to live a profitable and productive life with the talents and abilities that he has given us.    We have what we need.  Focus on the gifts and talents that are inside of you and be you and don’t try to be like anybody else.  We learn from others and others can be our mentors but be you and it will be the most freeing and liberating experience that you can ever live out.

When I was being trained up as a minister, I had people that I admired and respected and I tried to mimic what they do and be just like them.  It always failed and I felt uncomfortable doing it because I wasn’t comfortable with myself.  When I learned that I can learned from them and be mentored by them but God has given me my own uniqueness and I should be true to that it took me to another level spiritually and for the first time, I was comfortable in addressing and ministering to people because I was doing it my way with my style and with the gifts that God had given me.  IT WAS SO LIBERATING and I have not looked back since.    Just be you.   Nobody can be you like you.  JUST BE YOURSELF.    You got to be amazing being you because God did it………….    

Okay, we’ll finish with the other parables on tomorrow. 

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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