T here are three parables given by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Olivet Discourse. The last one is that of the eight talents. Three men are in volved in the story. One received five talents, the second two, and the third just one. There is a lesson for us in Christian stewardship in this teach ing. There is a coming day of reckon ing when we must all give an account as to the way in which our talents have been used. As far as the Church of the Lord Jesus is concerned, we shall never be judged for our salvation. That ques tion was settled at the cross once and for all. It comes by our personal faith in the Saviour. But this judgment is based upon our service and conduct in life. As far as Israel is concerned, she too must give an account of her ways. God will evaluate her work even as the Lord Jesus will ours. Matthew 24:14 reads, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man trav eling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” These workers were entrusted with their master’s goods. We learn of the period of absence, as well as the promise of return. This was true of our Lord Jesus Christ Who told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). “If I go, I will return” is the provision of this trav eling man. The servants were to take over for him and to represent him in all the affairs of management. This, of course, is the position of the Chris tian. Our Saviour is in heaven from whence He will be coming again soon. In the meanwhile, you and I have
been made His stewards. His posses sions have been entrusted to our hands. We are faithfully to represent Him as He would represent Himself were He personally here. Verse 15 gives us an interesting in sight on this as we read, “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one.” Note how these things were distributed. Fre quently we will see an outstanding man endowed with many gifts. On the other hand there may be an individual STEP BY STEP He does not lead me year by year Nor even day by day. But step by step my path unfolds; M y Lord directs my way. Tomorrow's plans I do not know, I only know this minute; But He will say, "This is the way. By faith now walk ye in it." And I am glad that it is so, Today's enough to bear; And when tomorrow comes. His grace Shall far exceed its care. What need to worry then, or fret? The God who gave His Son Holds all my moments in His hand And gives them one by one. — Barbara C. Ryberg who seems to have little ability, or perhaps possessing a gift in only one limited area. In life itself, it is well to remember that God doesn’t judge a two-talent man on a five-talent basis. The Lord’s discernment is qualitative only. The greatest .question this por tion of Scripture brings to mind is the manner in which these talents were put to use. In verses 16 and 17 we read, “Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And like wise he that had received two, he also gained other two.” It is interesting 3
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