Called to an Eternal Work

Scripture Text: Luke 19:11-27

God has blessed us with various gifts, talents and abilities. From a parable in Luke 19:13-19, we are asked to invest and make full use of these gifts while He is gone as we are expected to account for our actions upon Christ’s return. God has called us to invest our gifts, talents and abilities in places where they will yield maximum benefits. There are many lessons that we can learn from this parable.

Investment is for the Kingdom’s Benefit – Not for our own Personal Use
In 2 Tim. 1:6, we are reminded to, “fan into flames the spiritual gift that God has given us.” In other words, we are to use these gifts for Him and the Kingdom’s benefit. They are not for our own personal use. For example, if you have been blessed with a wonderful voice but use it to sing popular songs of the day without care of the content or effect of the music, you may become a millionaire recording artiste but would not have brought glory to God. The gift God has given has been misused because it has not been invested in the Kingdom!

It’s not about Numbers – just Faithfulness to Invest
God’s main focus is not about the results, numbers or the quantity yielded by our investments. In the parable, the 1st and 2nd servants are both rewarded even though their investments generated different amounts. God looks for and rewards our faithfulness in service. Hence, even if we serve quietly in church on Sundays instead of being in the forefront, God will still reward us as we use our abilities in the right place and time.

Excel Where we were Designed to Serve
We must carry out what we have been made to do and must not do what we have not been called to do. Therefore, we must not be driven by riches or self-glory and should not yield to the temptation of doing something God has not called us to do. The parable of Jotham recorded in Judges 9: 8-15 reveals what happens when we decide to take up positions which God has not called us for. Sometimes, the consequences can be devastating.

We will All have to Account for our Work on Judgment Day
God is able to see through every excuse that we can give in trying to cover-up our lack of commitment in using the gifts and talents that He has given us. God is the Truth and He will expose every lie or excuse we try to make on the final day. So don’t start by giving excuses to God today!

Taking the Whole Package
We cannot say that we want God as our King and only want His blessings and rewards but refuse to respond to His call to Ministry. Therefore, you cannot say, “I want You to heal me, resurrect me, love me – BUT I do not want to serve in Your Ministries!” Ask yourself whether you are interested in God’s benefits alone or are you also concerned about God’s interest for the world.

Not Merit-Driven but Grace-Driven
We must always bear in mind that all rewards are given not because we deserve them but because God graciously decrees so. We learn from the parable that to the faithful, more is given for the sake of the Kingdom’s multiplication. Therefore, our work must not be motivated only by rewards. We have to remember that God rewards out of His Grace and for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

Reflection:
We should prioritise the investment of our time, gifts, and talents for God’s people and His Kingdom. Our time to do this is not as long as we may think. The Bible tells us that Christ will be coming back soon and the day of accounting is near! Our endeavours will reap eternal blessings, on all who serve the soon-returning King!

Prayer Response:

Dear Lord Jesus, We thank you for the gifts and talents that you have generously bestowed upon us. Help us to give back cheerfully and faithfully to your Kingdom and your people so that your name may be glorified! Help us also to realize that our time is short as Christ will be returning soon. Amen.

Devotional based on message by Rev Joel Yong