Luke 19:15-19

Luke 19:15-19

“And after coming in his return after receiving his kingdom, he also spoke to call to him those slaves to whom he gave the money in order that he should know what they gained by doing business.  And the first came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina gained ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave.  Because you became faithful in the least thing, you are having authority over ten cities.’  And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina gained five minas.’  And he said to this one, ‘You become over five cities.’

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Let’s not overlook the setting of the middle part of the story.  The well-born man had gone away to win for himself a new kingdom.  He succeeded in his task.  Symbolically, we know that this man represents the work of God.  What can we conclude?  The work of God is successful.  The work that God desires is accomplished.  We can count on the fact that once God sets His mind to do something, it will be done.

Why is it important to know that we can depend on God?  What does that mean for your life?  How do you live out this truth for others to see?

Second Thought:

When the man returns, there is an accounting.  God does not set us to tasks and then forget about them.  He sets us to tasks and then watches what we do with them.  He will come and talk with us about what happened.  He will ask us what our fruit was from the gifts that He gave to us.

When you think of God asking of an accounting of your life, what do you think about?  How does this make you feel?  Why might it be natural to feel concern, worry, or even fear?  How do you think God feels with respect to that day?

Third Thought:

The first two of the slaves come back and give a favorable report.  They report a gain.  Notice, however, that they do not report an equal gain.  One brings ten more minas, one brings five more minas.  There is nothing wrong with this.  God doesn’t only look upon the leader with favor.  God looks upon both of these with favor.  He knows that our fruit will all be different.  It will come in different shapes and sizes.  It will come in different amounts.  But God takes pleasure in all of our gains, big and small.  Whenever He gives us talents and ability and we use them in ways that advance His kingdom, He will take notice and celebrate with us.

Do you ever feel the joy of the Lord upon you?  What do you do to advance God’s kingdom in which He can celebrate with you?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 19:20-27