“Receive and Be Trustworthy”

The congregation explored today’s theme and The Message version of the scripture using a Dwelling in the Word and considering these questions:

Matthew 25:14-30 The Message (MSG)

The Story About Investment

14-18 “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.

19-21 “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’

22-23 “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’

24-25 “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’

26-27 “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.

28-30 “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’

1) What do you fear about taking risks to use your gifts to help change the world?
2) How do you overcome your fear and follow the Holy Spirit’s leadings to use your gifts to engage in mission?
3) How have you discovered God’s blessing of gifts and talents and how have you used them to move forward in the mission of Christ?

Take time to read the scripture and consider these questions yourself.  What talents is God calling you to share?

Feel free to respond in the comments – what thoughts / emotions were invoked as you read through the passage?

Prayer for Peace
Lord,
Our sight turns inward as we remember others who impact our lives.
They pass before us in review and we hopefully ask:
Forgive us for transgressions committed and for compassion withheld.
Hold us all close as unique and worth-full souls.
May we be at peace, one with another.
Amen.