All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
"Well Done!"
"Well Done!" Matthew 25.14-30
Good Day!
Just before we left town, I took my son outside and showed him the individual pots of flowers and herbs that needed to be hand watered. In the unusual heat our Southern California town was experiencing, if the tender seedlings got scorched, they would be finished. Now if I am honest, I really thought that my flowers just might be doomed; he would get busy, he would forget ... and after all, what is the big deal about flowers? But when I got home, that was not the case. In fact, this sunflower was not dead, but along with two others, is now blooming! "Well done, Danny, well done!"
As we turn our gaze back toward the final chapters of Matthew's gospel, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Talents. In many ways, what he says has direct correlation to my seedlings, Danny and me. In the story Jesus tells, a man is going on a journey, and he entrusts something he has worked for and valued to three of his servants. The men understood what was expected of them-they were not trying to guess the master's intent. Upon his return, an accounting was in order, and their faithfulness to the master was evident. To the first two who had taken care of his treasure, (netting an increase), 'Good work,' his master said. 'You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over this small amount, so now I will give you much more.'1
Think of it-I purchased sunflower seeds, planted and watered them, and then entrusted them to Danny to care for them. He did. While doing dishes the other day, I was watching a joyful little bird sitting on the leaf of the sunflower as it swayed back and forth ... so delightful!
What's the point? God has generously gifted each of us in many various ways. There are material resources, gifts of communication and administration, knowledge, faith, encouragement, education, music, and a vast array of experience in the joys and trials of life ~ God is indeed the greatest gift giver of all! This parable in Matthew 25.14-30 masterfully illustrates that
one day God will ask us how and what we did
with what he has given us-our potential.
The two distinctions Jesus draws in this parable are stark-when we are before him, we will either hear "Well done, faithful one!" and experience the applause of One or we will be corrected and spurned. Yikes. No gray there, all black or white.
Let me take you back to the sunflower. Zooming out, it was not really about Danny or me. When I see the sunflower in the landscape of the garden, it is one meant to thrive, rich with high-quality protein in its nectar for little birds and bees. Same with the gifts with which God entrusts us! The gifts we possess are not just for God or us, they are to attract others to our loving God, and bring glory to him.
The great thing is that God does not place unreal expectations or burdens on us. He does not expect me to be Billy Graham or you to be Beth Moore. He uniquely gifts us to love creatively and give from what we have-that's all. Maybe you could be a great listener to a lonely person-you have ears, right? Grow and utilize your gift of compassion. Maybe you could bring a meal to a sick person or gather others to pray for someone in need; maybe you could call and encourage someone who is struggling or buy gift cards to McDonalds to have on hand when you encounter a hungry homeless person . . . but do something! You were made in the image of God2, and he is the Creator, therefore you are creative.
Oh, I so want to hear one day, 'Well done, good and faithful Child of Mine! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your God's great joy!'
Christine
PastorWoman.com
1 - Matthew 25.23, The Living Bible
2 - Genesis 1.26,27
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Views: 73
Comment
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Comment by Kay Brown on August 25, 2016 at 7:35pm
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Have you ever heard the song, " well done well done" I think Kim Hopper sings it...I thought about that song as I was reading this. Thanks , it was a great post.
Kay
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