by Rev Douglas Brauner

(This is the second week of blogs based on the parables of Jesus. This week’s devotions are based on the theme of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30)

God calls us to joyfully invest the gifts that he has given us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Matthew 25:29 English Standard Version

Are your pockets empty, or full?

My pockets are full most of the time. I carry my wallet, keys, and cell phone in my pockets. In fact, I feel as if something is wrong if there isn’t something in my pockets. That’s usually a good thing. I don’t know how many times I would have driven without my driver’s license, had my pocket not felt empty. Oh, and not to mention that my pockets are filled with change (much of which falls out and lodges in my recliner).

However, too often we live as though our pockets are empty, as if God has not given us gifts.

In the parable of the talents one servant is given five talents (a hefty weight of money), another two talents, and a third one talent. The amount is not as important as the fact that each was entrusted with a significant responsibility.

The one who was given five talents works diligently and makes five talents more. The one who was given two talents works diligently and makes two talents more. When the master returns he is equally pleased with both servants. The one who made two talents receives the same praise as the one who received five.

What about the guy who was given the one talent? We might expect that he invested that talent and made another talent, but he doesn’t. He buries his talent, because he thinks his master will punish him if he loses it. That talent is taken away from him.

God has filled our pockets with gifts beyond measure. When we see God through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, we see him as a merciful God who is not concerned about the amount of return, but about our investment of his gifts. Besides, it’s God who multiplies the growth.

God has given you gifts. Your pockets are full. May you experience the abundance of grace, as you invest what God has given you, and watch him multiply those gifts.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado