THE DAY OF RECKONING

 

After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (Matthew 25:19 NKJV)

The three parables recorded in this chapter are of vast importance.

Each contains a striking contrast, and in each there is the possibility of supreme joy or the inevitable sentence of deprivation and rejection. In each there is instruction and encouragement on the one side, and on the other we are solemnly warned.

In the parable of the Virgins, we learn the necessity of having adequate reserves; of possessing more than the lamp of profession, however chaste and rare; and of procuring without money or price the oil of the gracious indwelling and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. That religion is entirely valueless which is not due to His starting and maintenance.

In the parable of the Talents, we learn that the gravest peril in Christian experience attaches not to the highly, or even the moderately gifted people, but to the poorest and humblest one talented folks! Because they can do so little they often do nothing. The one talent, which it is death to hide, is lodged with them as utterly useless. But with God the smallest things count! He does not crush the bruised reed nor quench the smoking wick. He chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

In the Judgment of the Nations, we learn that the ultimate test of Christianity is not in profession or doctrine, but by putting our profession and doctrine into action by caring for those with whom our Lord has always identified Himself, the outcast and helpless, the sick and sorrowful, the stranger and prisoner. Love to God has for its reverse love to man. Even now the nations are standing before His judgment bar, and some are being thrown on the trash pile before our eyes.

PRAYER

Let me not be put to shame, Lord, but make me to love and fear You with all my heart. Help me to be faithful in the very little things, and to hear Your well done at the last. For it is in Your name I pray, AMEN.