Matthew 25:21 - Keys In Using Our Talents.
Matthew 25:21 (NIV) His master replied,
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have
been faithful with a few things; I will put you
in charge of many things. Come and share your
master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:21 (ESV) His master said to him,
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have
been faithful over a little; I will set you over
much. Enter into the joy of your master.
COMMENTARY PEARLS
Keep Focused On Jesus
In the ancient Olympic Games, the winners
didnt receive gold, silver, or bronze medals like
they do today. Instead, they were crowned with
laurel leaves.
So if you were a runner nearing the end
of your race, youd see the emperor standing
there holding the laurel leaves you hoped would be
placed on your head. That was your reward.
Sometimes when people set goals, it helps
them stay motivated by choosing a reward for
themselves if they reach them. When I was in track and
field in high school, I hated going to practice.
But if I knew there was a pretty girl watching,
it always helped my motivation.
In the race of life, we have an even
better motive. Jesus Himself is watching us. The
writer of Hebrews tells us, Let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV).
That is the key: looking unto Jesus.
Were not doing it for applause or fame or any
other thing. We just want to hear Him say to us
one day, Well done, good and faithful
servant (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).
But what does it mean to look to Jesus?
It means turning your eyes away from other
things and fixing them on Him. For instance, if you
really focus on something, everything else becomes
somewhat blurry.
Its the same when youre using a
camera. When you get your subject dialed in, the
focus blurs out other elements so your subject
stands out more clearly.
Thats what it means to look to Jesus.
By looking to Him, youre putting Him first.
Youre filling your mind with the Word of God. And
that can help you get through whatever youre
going through. Focus on Jesus. [Greg Laurie from
Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
Encourage Others Along The Way
Sometimes I'm envious of my friend Anne,
who is quick to compliment a good deed, a Sunday
dress, a tasty dessert. My parents challenged me to
attain high standards but rarely commended me for
achievements. I learned to value the positive but look for
and point out the negative. This may have made
me well suited for my editorial career: nudging
writers to polish their prose. But it stunted my
ability to affirm the efforts and attributions of
others: the beautiful, the creative, the well done.
My envy of Anne will get me nowhere
unless I use it to emulate her relational skills.
So last week I called her. "Anne, you're so
good at complimenting people. But it doesn't come
naturally for me. Any tips?"
She hesitated, then said, "If you see
something, say something. Positive, that is."
So obvious. So easy. "I can remember
that." It's taken conscious effort, but I have.
Wednesday I praised a neighbor girl for
carrying grocery bags for an elderly acquaintance.
Thursday I noted a friend's fashionable jacket.
Friday, by email, I complimented a school chorus
teacher on his concert lineup - such redemptive
selections. Saturday - a friend's birthday - I raised a
toast, naming qualities I admire: her generosity
and low-key wisdom. Today, Sunday, I'll soon
drive to church. During the service, I'll pause to
thank God for His faithfulness. I'll also listen
carefully for a quiet voice - the Spirit's quiet
whisper: well done.
God, help me to see - and name - the
positive qualities and excellent efforts I see in
others. Evelyn Bence [Walking in Grace 2021
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Hebrews 12:2 - In Good Company Running With
Jesus.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201010-1257.html
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - BE AN ENCOURAGER.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200322-0751.html
Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of The
Talents.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200731-1116.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
