The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 1 October 2023 – Be Profitable With Them
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TOPIC: Be Profitable With Them
READ: Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV)
- ” For [the kingdom of heaven is] like a man traveling to a far country, [who] called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
- “And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
- “Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
- “And likewise he who [had received] two gained two more also.
- “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.
- “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
- “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’
- “His lord said to him, ‘Well [done,] good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
- “He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’
- “His lord said to him ‘Well [done,] good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
- “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
- ‘And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, [there] you have [what is] yours.’
- “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
- ‘So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
- ‘Therefore take the talent from him, and give [it] to him who has ten talents.
- ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
- ‘And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
THE MESSAGE:
Jesus shared this earthly story with his disciples at a time his earthly ministry was gradually coming to an end. This parable speaks of the vital call of men in God’s kingdom and the expectations of God the Father from men in the Kingdom. God knows the importance of the body- though the body has diverse parts, these parts work towards a singular course, which is bringing increase into the Kingdom. However, the volume of your gift, talent or treasures in the Kingdom of God is not the end of the matter, but “how profitable are you?’ Have you ever wondered why you are endowed with wisdom, knowledge and understanding in the things of the Kingdom? Do you think God has blessed you this much for yourself alone? (1 Corinthians 12).
As we prepare our hearts, minds and bodies to fellowship with the brethren today, be reminded again that as one body in Christ, you have a part to play in the prosperity of God’s purpose for man. You have something to give; you have something to receive. Do not look down on that call to serve; do not deny the brother or sister the spiritual and physical blessings God has given you to profit with (1 Corinthians 12:7). Let’s be reminded that any gift of God you fail to put to use or you refuse to bless men with shall be taken from you and given to men ready to labour for the Lord. God does not waste His gifts on wasteful men when He has men willing to prosper His Kingdom without fear to fail.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be profitable in the gifts You gave me and not to be a wasteful servant.
