20 "Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'
22 "His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
24 "Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
The faithful go about their Master’s business with eagerness awaiting His sure return. There is much work for every Christian to do and there is need to set about it swiftly losing no time. At Christ’s ascension He took care to furnish His Church with all things needed until His return.
“He gave to some more, to others less; to everyone according to his own ability. When Divine Providence has made a difference in men’s ability, grace dispenses spiritual gifts accordingly, but still the ability itself is from Him. Everyone had some one talent at least, and that is not a despicable stock for a poor servant to begin with. A soul of our own is the one talent we are every one of us entrusted with, and it will find us with work.” Matthew Henry
17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut 8:17-18 (NIV)
I am reminded of the verses in Exodus regarding the task given Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. What are apparent in this passage, found in Exodus 35, are the willingness and the God given abilities of those who were called to do the work:
29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do. 30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers--all of them master craftsmen and designers. Ex 35:29-35 (NIV)
Certainly a pride stripper for man is it not? Everything comes from His hand intended for His glory. Sadly, somehow along the way, this has become confused. God has a purpose for what He has poured into us. We are each to be, as Chambers states: “My Utmost for His Highest.”
The failure of the servant to put his talents to work in the parable in our verses for today was an indication of his lack of faith in his Master’s certain return and his laziness towards putting forth the effort needed to improve the lot given him. None will be called to account for more than they have received but for what we have received we must all give an accounting.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13 (NIV)
2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thess 5:2-3 (NIV)
40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Luke 12:40 (NIV)