Will Work for Jesus and the Mob

December 2, 2008
Text: Matthew 25:14-18
Title: Will Work for Jesus and the Mob

Thoughts:

In case you haven’t heard, I have been involved in some major immoral escapades as of late. Just this morning, prior to writing this devo, I robbed a bank and stole $200k+. I have a mob that consists of 15+ mobsters, numerous weapons and vehicles, and a seriously tainted background. In the underground world, “Father Alfredo” is gaining favor with the Godfather.

Before you throw your stones, I’m talking about my latest addiction of a game called Mob Wars on the social site Facebook. I’m really not involved in the underground world of mischievousness. It’s a game I started a few weeks ago as a rookie mobster. However, I am quickly climbing the ranks as I accumulate essential items and complete more jobs. With each, my abilities are increasing and the risks and rewards of the jobs have larger payouts.

As I read this morning’s passage, I couldn’t help but relate Jesus’ words to my slow increase of trust in Mob Wars. Comparing the kingdom to a master going on a journey, Jesus informs us that the master gave varying talents to each individual “according to his own ability” (Mt. 25:15). While He doesn’t tell us how, it becomes obvious that the master has determined the ability of each individual. Either through past experiences or history, the master knew what each was capable of. He did not put more pressure upon one than he did the other. Each was entrusted according to his ability.

Though we may never understand why or how God trusts us so much, we learn from this passage that He trusts us each with something. In Mob Wars the game will not allow me to compete in a level I am not capable of completing. Likewise, God will not entrust you with a relationship, circumstance, or opportunity today that you are not capable to accomplish through Him. When the hurting child is seeking for comfort or the irate customer is vehemently explaining how bad you are, recognize that God has placed something in your hands that knows you can handle. So, be on the lookout…Jesus is on a journey and He’s entrusted a great deal into your hands today! Let’s please our God and Father!

Application:

Reflect upon yesterday for a moment. What did God entrust you with? Who did He entrust you with? How did you handle His investment?

Looking at today’s schedule, what has He set before you?

How does the awareness of today’s opportunities, prior to their happening, prepare you for them?

Prayer:

Father,

Looking back at yesterday, I see so many minutes, relationships, and encounters that You entrusted to me. Some of these I did well with; others I faltered. Seeing the truth of Your Word this morning, I am aware that there are more opportunities before me today. You have entrusted me according to my ability, which is itself from You. Help me to live faithful to this entrustment today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Foretaste of What’s to Come

Text: Matthew 25:14-30
Title: A Foretaste of What’s to Come

Thoughts:

In Matthew 25 Jesus begins to describe the Kingdom of heaven in parables. He begins by comparing it to ten virgins who are anticipating the bridegroom’s appearance. Five were prepared and five were unprepared. His third comparison is to the separation of sheep from goats. The sheep, those who have ministered to Jesus via the poor, sick, naked, etc., were rewarded. Meanwhile the goats were judged and cast away.

Nestled within these two kingdom comparisons is our text for the week (Mt. 25:14-30). In this particular text, Jesus compares the kingdom to a master who goes on a journey. Before leaving the master entrusts his possessions to his slaves. Characteristic of the other parables in the chapter, the master returns to once again find an irresponsible trustee.

If one’s not careful, he quickly loses the excitement and significance of Christ’s kingdom. Wherever Christ spoke of the kingdom, He referred to it with a sense of responsibility and power. Through His coming to earth, Christ ushered in a present “here and now” reality of what we expect in heaven. He healed the sick, raised the dead, restored broken relationships, and liberated mankind. Each of these are truths we embrace and enthusiastically anticipate in heaven.

Christ’s kingdom parables remind us that there is a responsibility for the message of the kingdom. Namely, we are called to live in a “here and now” reality that Christ has released into the hands of His people. We have a foretaste of what heaven will be like. We can be healed, liberated, and victorious. What we’re doing with this message is the basis of what the Master will want to know about when He returns.

The Kingdom has a taste of victory, but let us not allow its sweetness to drown its responsibilities.

Applications:

What are some of the biblical characteristics of heaven?

Does Jesus’ ministry, and the empowerment of His disciples (Lk 10), not reveal the fact that these characteristics are available to the believer now? Why or why not?

How is your life revealing these realities today?

Prayer:

Father,

Through Christ’s ministry and empowerment of His disciples, You have shown us the possibilities of what the Kingdom looks like on earth. It has power to set mankind free, heal the sick, raise the dead, and transformations of the like. Unfortunately, I live well below that reality in my life. Today, I want to walk in the fullness of what it means to be in Your kingdom. In addition, empower me to share the reality of this kingdom with others.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.