THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
I heard about a football player who was attending a "brainstorming" session with the coach and other players at practice one day.
The coach was giving scenarios and then pointing to someone for the solution.
The particular football player was the 3rd string quarterback.
The coach said, "OK. It's 3rd and 9 to go, only seconds left in the game. Our team is down 3 points. What are you going to do?"
Then he pointed to the 3rd string quarterback.
The young man was startled and said, "Why, coach, I'd move over on the bench so I could get a better view!"
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________SCRIPTURE__________________________________
Matt 25:14-30
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT____________________________________
Some Christians are like that 3rd string quarterback, and never realize that they are called to be "in the game!"
In the Scripture above, EACH of the servants received a particular portion of money in relationship to their "several abilities."
EACH of them were charged with the responsibility of caring for their Master's goods.
But today let's look at what I believe is the main point of this parable:
EACH of those servants made a decision about what he would do with his Master's goods!
Each Christian, like the servants above, has received a particular portion of talent or ability.
And each has a responsibility to properly care for that ability, then USE it in service to our Master, Jesus.
Our Master expects us to work with other members of "the Body" and develop and strengthen our abilities as well as aid in the development of other Christians abilities.
The question is, are we "in the game?"
Or are we a "sideline quarterback?"
The sideline quarterback expresses interest in the game, but never really expects to become involved in it.
He's not really a "football player," he's just an interested "bystander."
Notice that third man in the parable above.
He was so afraid to exercise his ability that he showed disrespect to his master!
He "hid" his talent, then wouldn't even bring it back.
He told the master that he would have to go and retrieve it himself.
If we truly believe that Jesus is Lord of all, then we should do three things:
REPENT, and allow Him to become Lord of ME,
REPRIORITIZE our lives and put Him FIRST in everything, then
RENDER appropriate service to our Lord.
When we do those three things, we'll also REALIZE JOY!
Love ya!
Bruce