My husband and I sometimes spoke pig Latin when we didn’t want our young children to understand what we were saying. For instance, “After we put the kids to bed let’s eatyay iceyay emecray.” [eat ice cream].
I have always admired Jesus’ gifted communication. Communicating with parables allowed some to clearly understand what He was saying, all the while intending that others would not have a clue. In Matthew 13 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (verses 10b – 11)
According to Blue Letter Bible, the word parables means “a placing of one thing by the side of another.” Jesus used parables to place something unfamiliar beside something familiar to explain spiritual truths. I love parables because I’m a visual person. I can barely order off a restaurant menu unless it has pictures.
There are two full chapters in Matthew devoted to the subject of the second coming of Christ. Jesus prepares his followers for the day of His return with parables. The Parable of the Talents in Mathew 25 says, “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property….Then he went away. Matthew 25:14, 15b
Jesus was going away. He would ascend into heaven with the promise to one day return. In the meantime, His servants (Christians like you and me) have been entrusted with His property. Everything we have is a gift from God. We are not owners but merely stewards and there is a day when Jesus will return to settle accounts. “Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.” (Matthew 25:19)
Upon His return we will give account regarding our faithfulness with His property! Friends, there is no wisdom in pretending like we own what has been entrusted to us by the Master. Whatever you are doing with the talents that have been entrusted to you will influence the account you give to the Master upon His return. Invest well because He will hold you accountable! “He will render to each one according to his works.” Romans 2:6 (ESV)
He bought us with His blood. He has every right to hold us accountable. Are you ready to give account? What account would you be able to give to Jesus today?
Copyright©2018, Gloria Stucky
Originally written for Immanuel Baptist Church 2018
Good word. Keep up the good work in Christ. We will reap if we faint not. mom