God Pause for Thursday, 11/13/2014
/Luther Seminary God Pause
Thursday, 11/13/2014 Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
Most of us really want to be faithful with our money. It's not that we set out to cut God out of our financial lives. Often it's the "what ifs" that catch us. The third servant was consumed with the "what ifs." What if his investment didn't return like expected? What if the banks folded and the money was lost? What if the master is not to be trusted? For us, what if the car breaks down, what if we break our leg and can't work, what if we lose our job; what if?
I laugh at the commercial that suggests they can "take the 'if' out of life." What a joke. Life is made up of "ifs"--bad and good--that give us the chance to rely on God. Where will our hearts be found? Bound up in fear by the "ifs," or relying--even if shaky--on the sure mercy of God?
God of hope, I am deeply grateful that my salvation doesn't rest on my ability to do things right. When the "ifs" come along, help me be faithful. When the "ifs" win, quiet my fears and save me again. Amen.>
Amanda Kempthorne Pastor, Lord of Life Lutheran Church North Pole, Alaska Master of Divinity, 2009
Matthew 25:14-30 (NRSV)
14 "For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, "Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' 21 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, "Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' 23 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, "Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26 But his master replied, "You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
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