Ruminating in the Word of God: Use it or lose it.

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in ,

"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked
servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I
did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you
put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have
collected it with interest?' Then he said to those standing by, 'Take
his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'"

This is the response of the "man of noble birth" in the parable of the
minas when he learned one of his servants failed to utilize what he
had provided him to invest in his absence. In an article on the blog,
"Tough Questions Answered",
http://www.toughquestionsanswered.org/2009/06/09/what-does-the-parable-of-the-minas-mean/
Bill Pratt provides this analysis on the Parable of the Minas:

"There seem to be at least five major points that the parable
communicates. First, Jesus will leave his disciples for an
undetermined amount of time. Second, Jesus will return to consummate
his kingdom some time in the future. Third, disciples of Jesus who are
good stewards in his absence will receive incredible rewards from him
upon his return. Fourth, disciples of Jesus who are poor stewards in
his absence will have their rewards taken away and given to the
disciples who are good stewards. Fifth, those who reject Jesus as the
rightful king will face a terrible judgment upon his return."

This appears to me to be a very good summary of the meaning of the
parable. It is the part about the irresponsible steward that failed to
use what was given him that captures my thoughts this morning.

In Romans 12:6-8, we read, "We have different gifts, according to the
grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in
proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is
teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if
it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if
it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy,
let him do it cheerfully." While Paul didn't intend to provide a
comprehensive list of all the gifts and abilities the Lord has
provided us, he certainly makes the point we have all been given
something to use in furthering his kingdom in his absence till he
returns.

The language the Lord used in his parable is remarkable in the
sternness with which the man of noble birth, who represents the Lord,
spoke to the irresponsible steward. The Lord has given us gifts and
his expectation is that we exploit those gifts to the fullest. The
Lord could not be more clear with this expectation.

I should not fiddle around with what the Lord has given me to use on
his behalf. Trifling with the Lord is never a good idea.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!

Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com