Scripture

“To those who use well what they are given even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Observation

The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a long trip. He gives five bags of silver to one servant, three to another, and just one bag of silver to another. The first two servants work hard and invest the master’s money to double it. The third servant buries the master’s money in the ground.

The master returns, and the first two servants present him with his money which they have doubled. The third servant returns the original amount of money to the master.

The master commends the two servants and gives them more responsibility. The money is taken from the hapless third servant and given to the first one. The third servant is cast out of the household.

Application

We are used to seeing this parable in terms of our gifts and talents. But really it applies to every part of our lives- our time, money, abilities, opportunities, and so on.

Our whole life is to be dedicated to the Lord. Everything we have comes from Him, and belongs to Him.

Like the servant in the story, we do not own what has been given to us. We are managers on God’s behalf.

The issue is not whether I have a lot to offer to God. It is all about my desire to honour Him with what I do have.

Prayer

Lord, with you in the first place, there is no second place. Everything is subject to you. May my choices and my desires glorify your name. Amen.

Scripture

“Later when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’”

Observation

The Kingdom of heaven, Jesus tells us, is like ten bridesmaids waiting for the groom. Five were wise and took extra oil for their lamps, but five were foolish and did not take enough oil.

The bridegroom is delayed. When he arrives, late at night, the five foolish girls find they have run out of oil.

While the foolish bridesmaid are away buying oil, the bridegroom comes and takes the wise girls to the wedding feast. The foolish girls finally arrive, but they find the door is locked and they are not allowed in.

Application

This parable seems harsh, but the message is clear; if we are not ready, we will not be allowed to enter into the kingdom.

The sin of the foolish bridesmaids is that they were not ready for the bridegroom. They thought they had enough oil, but had not factored in a delay. Their own preparations were inadequate.

Many people think that their good deeds or occasional religious observances will get them there. They think that they are good enough for God.

We can never be good enough for God if that is the standard we want to be judged by.

The foolish bridesmaids should have known the bridegroom better. The wise ones made provision for the fact that the groom would be delayed. They knew him, and they knew he would stop to chat with his family and old school friends along the way. They were ready for the inevitable.

To enter God’s kingdom we have to know Jesus, the bridegroom. Your destiny does not depend on how good you are or how knowledgeable. You must know Jesus.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for the gift of eternal life that comes from you. Amen.