This comment is linked to the three servants in the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
“The first two servants are true disciples; the third one is not. A person’s faithfulness is evidence as to whether he or she is truly one of Jesus own.”
Michael J. Wilkins in NIV Life Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004) 808. Michael was one of my profs back in seminary. I love his straightforward tone.
The third servant clearly did not know the Master. He thought the master who owned everything was “harsh” (25:24). No wonder he responded by hoarding rather than putting to work the Master’s money.
So what’s the secret to entering the abundant joy of the Master? You got to know the Master. Those who do function from a place where they know the Master, will put the money He has given us to work.
Are you the real deal?
If so, it should show by how you are putting the Master’s money to work. If this sounds convicting, know that it is not what I want from you, but what I want for you…to enter the Master’s joy!
God has opened the door for me to preach a sermon on this text in all four services at Sae Ro Nam Church in Daejeon, South Korea, this Sunday. I appreciate your prayers for safety and strength as I travel to Seoul, Pohang, and Daejeon, South Korea this week.