Stewardship
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Money, money, money, money. M O N E Y!!!!! versus talent/talents according to your ability. Let me tell you a story. In the late 1900’s, around 1996. One Sunday morning. My husband and I as usual, for a Sunday went to church; as was our custom. When we arrived there was an unexpected guest; who had arrived to deliver a message to about three couple in the whole congregation. My husband and myself being one of those couples.
I apologize for not remembering his name. It’s been such a long time ago (almost 30 years in fact). He was a prophet who received a word from the Lord. The Spirit of God spoke to him and said to go to the airport there will be a ticket there for him to go to Richmond, Virginia (he lived in South Africa). He was to deliver a message to a few of the saints there. Out of obedience, he went to the airport, and there was a ticket for him to travel to Richmond, Virginia. By the time he arrived in Richmond, it was Sunday, and the Spirit of the Lord spoke to him and instructed him to go to the church we were attending and to speak specifically to certain people.
I had never seen anything like this before. As this prophet walked around, you could feel, literal heat emanating from him (it was the presence of the Lord surrounding him.). He went from couple to couple prophesying and speaking into their lives. No one was standing in line. Actually everyone was seated and remained seated in their seats throughout this encounter. Eventually his look turned towards me and my husband. I recall being so afraid. It felt as though the eyes of the Lord were looking right at me (I’ve experienced this feeling since during personal prayer and worship).
He first addressed my husband and spoke about him spreading the gospel. But then, he addressed me. I remember such warmth and so much heat permeating from him. Something I’d never experienced in such a degree, his words were: “Do you sing?” All I remember is the heat. That warm, warm presence of the Holy Spirit. I hesitantly nodded my head, yes. I didn’t consider what I did singing. But my husband bravely said to him, for me; yes. (I think he was just glad the spot light was off of him). My recollection of what he said from that point is pretty foggy. All I remember is that the Lord wanted and continues to want me to sing.
Why do I say this? Fast forwarding thirty years. I recently, had a conversation with my pastor’s wife and somehow the recollection of that occurrence came to my memory. I say somehow, but looking at it today, a week later, I know this is the prompting of the Holy Spirit bringing this back to my memory, for me to fulfill my call. All morning this has been on my mind. In prayer I no longer sing as I did so diligently before. But here I am facing this. I have gently surrendered that part of who I am, and the talent that my Savior has given to further His kingdom.
The Parable of the Talents
For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey. The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he [made a profit and] gained five more. Likewise the one who had two [made a profit and] gained two more. But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. “Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. And the one who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted to me five talents. See, I have [made a profit and] gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ “Also the one who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have [made a profit and] gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ “The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed. So I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is your own.’ “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed. Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my return I would have received my money back with interest. So take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ “For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away. And throw out the worthless servant into the outer darkness; in that place [of grief and torment] there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. Matthew 25:14-29 Amplified Version
There is much I believe, that could be expounded on from this parable, but for time’s sake I leave you with this. I believe the Lord has given us all talents, each according to our ability, and He is returning (hoping to find us awake and working for the kingdom of God). What will He find? After remembering the experience of such heat surrounding me, and speaking specifically about that one talent He has given me, I walk gently before Him remembering what He has done (in salvation for each and every one of us). I walk in respect and fear of Him remembering his love , yes, but also remembering the authority and power He has over me (His creation).
In obedience I surrender to Him (all that I am, and all that I have) and his commandments because I know He loves me. He rewards us, and he also admonishes and encourages us to do what’s right (something most fail to want to acknowledge or recognize this truth). I encourage everyone to consider who you serve and who you worship. For He is Mighty, and He is our salvation. He is the King of Kings. His path for us is straight. His word to us is truth and He is the giver of life.
One day soon, the Master is returning for His bride. Let your joy be, to be ready when He returns. Waiting with expectation of embrace and everlasting peace with our Lord. Ready to give an account of what you have done with the gift of salvation He purchased for you. For that day is coming to each and every one of His children. Are you ready?
May this message minister to the hearers and readers in furthering the Kingdom of God. Blessings to you all.
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