Luke 19:11-27
Monday, 27 December 2021
So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back. Luke 19:13
“Invest this for me while I am gone!” [Luke 19:13 NLT] were the words of the nobleman to his servants before his journey to return as King and he was expecting them to put it to good use while he was away. A mina which is around three months’ wages is projected to yield a good amount upon the return of the future King. When he came back he called for the servants and asked what each of them did with the ten minas. The first servant said he made tenfold of the investment, the second said he made fivefold but the third servant said he did not invest it as he hid the Mina in a piece of cloth! This made the nobleman angry because the servant did not do what was expected of him. His concern was only for himself and making a profit for the kingdom was not his goal.
The actions of the third servant can be compared with the lives of many Christians. All of us are gifted in one way or the other but we are so complacent that we often make no effort to labour in God’s Kingdom. Remember, a branch needs to bear fruit as it says in Romans 7:4: “... you are expected to BEAR FRUIT to God.” In fact Jesus tells His disciples in John 15: 6: “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” See what happens to the third servant- the noble man calls him “a wicked servant” and orders his mina to be taken away from him and given to the first servant. Luke 19:26 “… the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Jesus has spoken of His return one day as He went up to heaven. His return will be as a King to set up His Kingdom. At that time He expects each of us to give an account of our investment for Him! Romans 14:12 says: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Just as the servants with the minas were asked to report to Him precisely what they did with those talents (minas), He will ask what we have done with the talents/gifts He has handed to each of us! He expects us to labour for His kingdom; but many hide their talents, not utilizing their God-given gifts. While we are saved by the love and grace of God, through Jesus Christ, there is still an expectation on us to work for His kingdom. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…” (Luke 10:2)
On another note- when the noble man returned we see him executing his authority as a King- see his order in Vs.27: “And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’” Similarly, when Christ returns as King the second time, there will be no mercy shown to those who reject Him.
Are you a faithful servant of Christ?
We can ask ourselves a few questions: Have we wasted the opportunities given to us? Are we hiding the gifts given to us? Are we just sitting around complacent about our salvation and doing nothing to see His Kingdom advance? While He is away He has entrusted us- his servants, with the responsibility of investing for Him. God has given each of us different set of skills hoping we would use it for His glory and Kingdom. Remember, when you invest in God, He will invest in you! Will you put your talent(s) to task from this day on?
To Act on: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58)