The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work with them, and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received the one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. Matthew 25:16-19
“If you have talents keep not back from using them. Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (Grand Rapids: CCEL) reading for evening on 20 October.
After Jesus gives what we commonly call the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) on Passion Week Wednesday, Matthew wraps up Jesus’ teaching with three parables (Matthew 25): the ten virgins (Be ready!), the talents (Put the Master’s resources to work while He’s away!), and the sheep and the goats (Sheep will separate themselves from goats by their sacrificial service to needy, destitute, and undeserving people!).
Today’s Scripture reminds us that someday He will return to settle accounts. Many live like they will never have to give an account. Do you? Spurgeon exhorts each of us to “keep not back” and to “waste not your time” but to imitate the self-sacrifice of Christ. As we draw near to the cross, join me in following Him in self-denial with the use of His money.
What a privilege for Sammy and I to visit my parents in Ohio! They’ve simplified, stored up most of their resources in heaven, and soon they will depart for Florida, traveling light through life to live near my brother, David, and his wife, Joanna. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for hoarding not your wealth and setting a great example of sacrificial living for my family and so many others!