Thursday, February 7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019

"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)

Semper paratus: Always prepared. This motto of the U.S. Marine Corps accurately reflects the commitment of valiant men and women who protect our freedom and have served faithfully for over 200 years. The Boy Scouts have also included "Always be prepared" as part of their core teaching.

While this cry for preparedness resonates for the military or as guidance for life, the Scriptures call us to spiritual readiness. Matthew 24 and 25 highlight that only the Father knows the hour of Christ's Second Coming, but that, as Christ-followers, we should prepare well and continuously.

The Parable of the 10 Virgins reminds us that Jesus's return will come quickly, and we won't have adequate time to flip into readiness. The time to prepare is now, not later. The word "watchfulness" comes to mind. Jonathan Edwards resolved at age 22: "Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life." His entire Resolutions are published here, and they fit extremely well with today's passage: http://www.insight.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/70-resolutions---jonathan-edwards.pdf

The Parable of the Talents illuminates our calling as believers to appropriate and multiply the gifts that God has given us. God has endowed us with wisdom, and He calls us to exercise this wisdom on behalf of the Kingdom. In other passages, Jesus indicates that the seed planted in good soil (a Christ-follower who grows to maturity) could multiply 30, 60, or 100 times. God intends for growth, not mere maintenance.

How does grow occur? Naturally, it requires elements such as water and food. In business, we grow through investments in people and in productive capacity. For all growth, we invest something valuable and scarce in order to reap a greater increase. For the Kingdom, God has called us to pour out our time, talent, and energy (all scarce but ultimately from God) so that these investments might multiply—to His glory.

From personal experience, I believe that nothing invested for the Kingdom is ever wasted. God brings increase through this investment, whether through greater knowledge and wisdom, a closer sense of His presence, or changed lives. When we fail to invest, we miss out on much greater rewards. In Paul's words, our lives are "being poured out as a drink offering": what we hold as valuable given to honor the true King.

We also give as a Body of Christ, too. By sharing our lives and hearts with one another, we strengthen and encourage other believers. We also invest our shared resources in God's Kingdom through the Church. As we saw in today's passage from Exodus, God called His people to prepare a richly ornamented sanctuary, where His glory would reside. The testimony of the Scriptures and history suggests that generosity towards God's Kingdom has unlocked God's faithfulness and the power of the Gospel in fresh ways. How much could our country and world use a fresh outpouring of God's faithfulness?

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us about watchfulness and Kingdom investment in these two Parables. Give us ready hearts to follow You. Help us to be sensitive to Your Spirit's leading. Open our eyes to how we could give more freely and love more deeply. Change our city, state, and country by the generosity of Your people. Help us to see changed lives and restored souls. We love You and honor You today. In Your mighty Name, amen.