Matthew 25
Luke 7:11-17 – And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
From Luke 7:11-17, there are three specific applications for our lives today:
1. Opportunities for ministry happen every day. Opportunities to be a blessing and service others will often come outside of the church building. Every day, we have opportunities to minister to others while driving to work, shopping at the supermarket, and going to the moves.
Many people today are judged by their status through social media. Likes, shares, and views provide a sense of approval, appreciation, and acceptance. Some spend their days and nights watching their smartphones and computers, waiting for positive affirmation. But as we’re surrounded by a society which desires such attention, we cannot forget the only ‘like’ that matters.
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares a parable about a man traveling into a far country. He provided different talents to his servants. One servant received five talents. Another receive two. Then another one. Each servant received enough talents according to his ability.
After the man had departed, the servants with five and two talents traded and doubled what they received. However, the servant who received one talent placed his talent in the earth.
Ephesians 5:15-16 – See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
1. Make the most of every opportunity. There are 1,440 minutes in each day. Everyone receives the same amount. The difference is how each person uses those minutes.
- You can use a minute (or more) to pray.
- Help someone in need.
- Give of your time and talent.
- Spend quality time with your family.
- Mend a bad (or strained) relationship.
Some opportunities come and never return. Don’t waste the moments you have, make every minute count.
James 1:27 – Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The word religion above is translated from the Greek as religious worship; especially external, that which consists of ceremonies (religious discipline).1 When the word ‘religion’ comes up in much of our society today, it comes of thoughts of a rules-based life that does not lead one closer to God. At first glance, we would feel our initial thoughts were confirmed, but when we look at James’ writing, we discover something different.
A pure religion…AND undefiled before God and the Father.
There is a religious expression that is acceptable (undefiled) before God. The word undefiled is translated from the Greek as not defiled, unsoiled; free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigour impaired.2 That sounds a lot like pure and acceptable…
What is a pure religion that is undefiled before God and the Father?
Each of us have been given a purpose from the Lord; a purpose that reflects His divine will and glory among His creation; a purpose that no one can take away from you, challenge, or remove.
However, there are times when we allow circumstances, people, frustration, and fear to stagnate our move toward what God has already called us to. Then there are others that know what God wants them to do, but will remain motionless. God has already spoken to them…long ago, but they wait and wait and wait. Some are waiting for the perfect ‘conditions’ to facilitate their move (Ecclesiastes 11:4). They’re looking for the right season, church, people, and ministry that will launch them into another ‘dimension,’ rather than beginning with what they have, right where they are, and serving the people they are among.
There’s a big world out there that God is calling us into. Pull the God-given dream off the shelf, dust it off, and begin again. God will help us, strengthen us, teach us, and give us every resource needed to accomplish His purpose.
The size of the dream does not matter – for what you have been given is from God. As with the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), each person received a portion based upon their ability. The key is to be faithful to what we’ve been given. May we allow the Lord to breathe life into our dreams again…and please His heart.
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/h-k-d. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
When tragic situations occur near and far away, we often want to help, but we’re unsure how. Caring for the less fortunate is in line with living as a child of God (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; and James 1:19-27), and we wonder how we can provide the greatest assistance.
1. Pray. There’s never a waking moment that someone in the world is without the need of prayer. Pray without ceasing throughout the day and as often as the situation or person(s) are brought to your remembrance (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
2. Connect with local organizations. Check the local newspaper, television, or radio stations for support and relief opportunities already taking place. Oftentimes, it’s easier to support organizations with ties already in the affected area than trying to make your own. However, you may discover that new ‘connections’ are needed as you pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.
Time is a precious gift. Each person receives the same 1,440 minutes each day. Some people have made great use of their time, and others…not so much. There are no returns on time, once it’s spent, it’s spent, but we don’t give it much thought until it’s gone. Many times we regret the time we lost because we didn’t make the best use of it. We invest much of our time in things that will never give us a great return, but we continue to do them out of habit or desire. Then we feel like we let ourselves (and others) down because we knew better…only to do again…and again.
You don’t have to stay on the same path. You can make a decision today…right now to make the most of your time.
Galatians 6:9-10 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Take a few moments to think about the greatest investments of time you can make. There are many people and purposes that have an outstanding return when invested in:
Spiritual life. A devotion of time to pray, study, and live out Jesus’ commands is a great investment of your time. Allow your calling (and talents) before the Lord to be the greatest investment you can make (see Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-28).
Personal life. Just as you invest in your spiritual life, you must also invest in yourself. As adults, we sometimes forget that we laughed and played as children. Remember to rest as well! Above all, don’t allow your personal life (and desires) to get in the way of your Father’s business.
Relationships. People sometimes forget to invest their time into the people that are closest to them. Ensure you spend time with your family (as a whole) and each member of your family individually. Each of your family members will need a different type of investment. This may be based on THEIR likes, dislikes, and hobbies. You must also invest your time in your friends, co-workers, and those you meet to and fro.
Lastly, some of the greatest investment opportunities will come when you least expect it. Each investment will require flexibility and diligence, so don’t be become upset if you missed your favorite TV show to invest in someone. You can always tape a show, but not a relationship.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/junnn. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
There may come a time in ministry when you feel you’re not growing, expanding, and stretching. In the natural (or worldly) order of life…
- you are ‘supposed’ to grow
- you are ‘supposed’ to get bigger and have more numbers
- you are ‘supposed’ to adjust and add new things
…but because you are not, you somehow feel like you are stuck…
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