VS. March 14, 2025 Devotional
March 14, 2025
MATTHEW 25:26-30 | 26 But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The property owner sees the fearful slave, who doesn’t risk investing his master’s money, as “wicked and lazy.” After digging his hole and hiding the cash, he did no further work during the “long time” the master was away. The master rewarded the other two servants, who doubled his money, and the reward was more work and more responsibility—they became junior partners sharing in the joy of the master’s enterprise. The fearful slave loses his talent and his job. He misses his opportunity for joy and success, for reward and validation. No wonder there is “gnashing of teeth.” The greatest regrets are opportunities not taken because of fear or laziness. Diligence is not dull! It involves a brave investment of ourselves that leads to partnership with God and the master’s joy.
Do you see how judgement connects with our choices?
Gracious God,
Don’t let sloth or fear inhibit my work or investment.
Amen.
