One of the first hymns I sang (as still a visitor) at the Otumoetai Church of Christ in 1977 was, “I want to be a worker for the Lord.” I had never heard such conviction before. The message rang true as they sang:
I want to be a worker for the Lord,
I want to love and trust His holy Word,
I want to sing and pray,
Be busy every day
In the vineyard of the Lord.
The Parable of the Talents (Mt.25:14-30) is about being “a worker for the Lord!”
Jesus’ story gives both hope and warning to those with whom he invests his treasures. Hope to the Christian who re-invests his God-given talents in the growth of the Kingdom, and warning to him who goes his own way.
Jesus assured faithful investors in the Kingdom that “to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance” (Mt.25:29a). In other words, the more you give, the more you get to give (2Cor.9:8).
However, to reduce this to only dollars and cents is to miss the point. Jesus is inviting you to serve with him. He is offering an immeasurable storehouse of blessings to be used in the building up of the church.
As serious investors of his heavenly wealth, he expects each Christian to use all the talents (resources) available to him as he shines forth the Light of the Gospel. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt.5:16).
The unfaithful non-investor is automatically stripped of his talents. He is told, “But from the one who does not have [he buried his talent], even what he does have shall be taken away” (Mt.25:29b).
Jesus’ parable is not just a cautionary fireside chat to take or leave as you deem appropriate. Jesus is telling the spiritually indolent exactly what the consequences of their disinterest in the work of the church will be: “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mt.25:30).
As for you and me…
I will work, I will pray,
I will labour every day,
in the vineyard of the Lord.
John Staiger
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