Day 38

Exodus 26:1–27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11

IN MATTHEW’S GOSPEL today, Jesus told two parables designed to illustrate what God’s Kingdom is like. These parables are a continuation of Jesus’ discussion on the end times and serve to seal the point: Our posture toward the Kingdom of Heaven should be no different from our posture toward the end of days.

In the first story, Jesus told of ten bridesmaids who went to a wedding feast. The bridegroom hadn’t arrived yet, so the women had to wait. And as they waited, the differences between them were revealed. Half of them had brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other half had not. When the oil ran out, the unprepared bridesmaids had to go search for more. Unfortunately, while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were prepared were allowed into the celebration. Those who were not missed out.

In the second story, Jesus told of a master who was going away for a while. The master provided resources to three of his servants with the understanding that they would steward those resources in his absence. When the master returned, he asked for an accounting. Two of the servants had doubled what they had been given.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant,” the master told the servants who had taken a risk and put the resources to good and profitable use. “You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:23).

But the third servant had been fearful and hidden what he’d been given in the ground. He had not lost the master’s resources, but he had also taken no risk to use what he’d been given. The master did not respond as favorably to him. “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance,” the master said. “But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).

Again, Jesus reminded us that we must stay prepared, aware, and vigilant while stewarding whatever He has given us to work with. It doesn’t matter what we have, and it doesn’t matter if we don’t feel prepared or think that we don’t have enough. We are to use what we have —whether it’s our time, talent, or treasure —in service of the master. He will provide more if we steward well what we are given.

As we consider this, the truth of our Proverbs reading becomes crystal clear: “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it” (Proverbs 8:10-11).

PRAYER:

I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.