BASIC SCRIPTURE DAILY Manna 4 September 2023
BASIC SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 25:14-30
Parable of the Bags of Gold (also known as the Parable of the Talents)
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
FINISH READING TODAY’S ===>: ODM DAILY Manna for Champions 4 September 2023 – USELESS IN THE GRAVE!
BASIC SCRIPTURE DAILY Manna 4 September 2023
Reflection:
The Parable of the Bags of Gold teaches us about stewardship, responsibility, and faithfulness. It illustrates the importance of using our God-given gifts and resources wisely. The master entrusted different amounts of wealth to his servants based on their abilities. The first two servants invested the money and gained more, and they were commended for their faithfulness and rewarded with greater responsibilities.
However, the third servant buried his talent out of fear. His response shows a lack of trust in his master and a failure to take initiative. The master’s reaction highlights the importance of using what we’ve been given, no matter how small, for fruitful purposes. This parable reminds us that God has given each of us unique talents and resources, and He expects us to use them for His kingdom.
As we go about our lives, may we reflect on how we are stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to us. Let’s strive to be faithful and proactive, using our abilities to bring about positive change and growth, not only for our own benefit but also for the glory of God and the well-being of others.
