15 "He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
How are we using what God has blessed us with to serve Him and the interest of His kingdom among men? In this parable Jesus is showing us that it certainly matters. We are held accountable for the gifts that we have received; indeed, we are called foolish in Scripture if we are not careful in the way in which we choose to live out our lives. Scripture tells us:
15 Be very careful, then, how you live --not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Eph 5:15-17 (NIV)
The actual wording here indicates that we are to “look that we walk carefully” - choosing to live wisely by making the most of every opportunity. Paul tells us in Colossians:
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6 (NIV)
We are to buy up the time, being ready in and out of season – the reason being: time is short and the days are evil. As Jesus tells us we are to be watchful and ready for His return:
35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Luke 12:35-40 (NIV)
“(Jesus’ return) is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost.” Charles Spurgeon
Expectant and ready for service is how Jesus desires to find believers upon His return. As Christ is our Master and our Model, we must be not only working servants but also expectantly waiting servants. His charge is for us to be ready for His return. As Jesus was always about His Father’s work, so should we be as His servants. Indeed, this brings much glory to God:
8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 (NIV)
"Do you seek any further reward beyond that of having pleased God? In truth, you know not how great a good it is to please Him." John Chrysostom
“Every Christian life ought to be a force among men, a witness for Jesus and an influence for blessing and good. I know that there are few people like Billy Graham, whom God calls to do great things for Him. For men like me, and perhaps you, the best thing that we can do in the small time allotted to us in this world is to live out a genuine, simple, beautiful, strong Christian life. In our little measure we can repeat the life of the Lord Himself, doing in our imperfect way a few of the wonderful things He would do if He were Himself in our place.” Wales Goebel
“There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure in the world to come. We need fewer words and more charitable works; less palaver and more pity; less repetition of creed and more compassion.” Billy Graham
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isaiah 40:10 (NIV)
5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. 7 "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness ill last forever, my salvation through all generations." 9 Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the LORD; Isaiah 51:5-9 (NIV)