A Lesson from the Parable
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:29,30
Read Matthew 25:24-30
All those who partake of the Kingdom of Heaven here below shall enjoy its benefits without restrictions in eternity. But whoever does not partake of that Kingdom on earth, though outwardly they may seem to belong to it, shall lose everything. The final end of the unprofitable servant is very sobering. He was cast out into everlasting darkness where he would remain eternally lost; there would be gnashing of teeth.
This parable is written within the framework of Christ’s return. The day and hour of His second coming remains hidden, but it is sure. When Christ returns He will assess the manner in which you and I have directed our lives. He will evaluate how we have spent our time, how we have attended church and how we have regarded the privilege of baptism. What profit have these benefits been to us in light of His Kingdom and service? Does everything testify against us? Have we only lived to enjoy life to the full for our own profit?
The Lord, who is the great Prophet and Teacher of His people, has given us this parable to spur us on to seek cleansing and comfort in His shed blood during this time of grace. Only in this way will we be made willing to serve Him with all our heart. Then you will no longer remain an unprofitable servant, but you will be able to sing in truth: My heart is fixed, O God, A grateful song I’ll raise.
Thought: Do you agree with the thought that we cannot do anything to acquire salvation, but we must still do everything we can as if it depended on our efforts? What motivation would you use to support this thought?
Psalter 299: 1,4 (based on Psalm 108) My heart is fixed, O God, A grateful song I raise; Awake, O harp, in joyful strains, Awake, my soul, to praise. Stretch forth Thy mighty hand In answer to our prayer, And let Thy own beloved ones, Thy great salvation share.