PENTECOST • 25

Are you a good servant of Christ?

SONGS FOR PRAYER

reading for: Tuesday Night, 14 november

Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

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    Matthew 25:14-30

    14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 

    16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 

    19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

    Commentary

    This parable in Matthew is found after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Temple incident where he overturns the tables of the money changers, and after Jesus’ opponents ask him questions to try to trap him. Immediately after this, the plot to kill Jesus is hatched and the movement towards His crucifixion begins.

    Matthew’s account can be easily divided into three parts: the distribution of money (vv. 14-15); the action of the servants (vv. 16-18); the reckoning (vv. 19-30).

    In the first part, we are told that man who is going on a journey distributes five talents, two talents, and one talent to his servants respectively, according to their ability (vv. 14-15).

    In the second part, the servants do not have to be told what to do with the money, but their actions are recorded: the first two servants double their amount, while the third servant buries the money in the ground (vv. 16-18).

    In the third part, only after a long time, are they called to give an account of their actions.  The same words are said to the first two servants: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (vv. 19-23)

    The third servant says he knew the man was a ‘hard’ man, reaping where he did not sow and gathering where he did not scatter, and being afraid he buried the money which he now returns (vv. 24-25).

    The master calls the third servant ‘wicked’ and ‘slothful’ and insists that he should have put the money in the bank so that he could have gained interest (vv. 26-27)

    After this the command is given for this servant’s talent to be taken away from him and given it to the servant who has ten (v. 28)

    Then he quotes a proverb: “To everyone who has will be given and he will have abundance, but to the one who does not have even what he has will be taken from him” (v. 29)

    The proverb is followed by a second command - to cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (v. 30).

    This parable emphasizes the importance of watching for the Lord’s return, wise living, and faithfulness with what we’ve been given and the casting into outer darkness is mentioned elsewhere only in Matt 8:12 and 22:13 and means separation from everything good, specifically God.

  • REFLECT

As we come to the close of the year, and prepare to celebrate Christmas (Christ’s first coming), are we mindful of his imminent 2nd Coming? How have you employed the gifts that you have been given? Consider your time, your abilities and talents, your energy, your material resources. Have you used them as a good son/daughter of God? Have you employed them as a good servant of Christ?  

reading for: Wednesday Night, 15 november

Judges 4:1-7

Serving the Lord requires obedience

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    Judges 4:1–7 (ESV)

    1 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died. 2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3 Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. 4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. 7 And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?”

    Commentary

    Today’s reading comes from the book of Judges. The pattern of this book is that as the people served other Gods, God will deliver them into the hands of their enemies and then when they repented, they will be rescued. This pattern persists throughout the book of Joshua.

    At the end of Judges 3, God raised up a judge Ehud and the Lord gave the Moabites into Israel’s hand leading Israel to have rest for 80 years. Shamgar also saved Israel by killing 600 philistines. After Ehud died, the people of Israel again did evil and thus they were sold into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan.  The people could not stand the oppression and cried out to the Lord for help for they were oppressed cruelly for 20 years.

    Deborah was judging Israel at that time, and many came to her for judgment. She sent word to summon Barak and told him the command of the Lord to gather 10000 men from the people of Naphtali and Zebulun. The Lord will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army to meet them at the river Kishon and Sisera’s entire army will be destroyed.

    Continuing in verse 8 and 9, we see that Barak initially didn’t want to go alone and he wanted Deborah to go with him. Deborah agreed but told Barak that the road on which he was going will not lead to his glory for God will sell Sisera into the hand of a women. Reading the rest of Chapter 4, we see that this was precisely what happened for the Lord gave Sisera into the hands of a women.

    The pattern of this story and the entire book of Judges is that as Israel obeyed the Lord, they had peace. If they did not obey God and went after other gods, then they will be delivered into the hands of their enemies. The people of Israel had to obey the Lord as his people and servants if they wanted lasting peace. Choosing to turn away from God brings about consequences.

  • REFLECT

    Just as Israel had to obey the Lord, we also have to obey the Lord. We have to walk in obedience as friends and servants of God. Israel fell into idolatry and went after many Gods. This pattern is repeated throughout the book of Judges and beyond in much of the history of Israel in the bible.

    The question for us to consider is are we like the people of Israel? Are there idols in our lives that we are worshipping? Perhaps we are beholden to the latest drama and movie that we see spending time and worshipping God as an afterthought. Perhaps then this things are our idols and we need to repent and get rid of them. Let us come before God and honour and worship him. Let us give him the best of our time and not see him as an afterthought or as something that we must get through to carry on with the day.

reading for: Thursday Night, 16 november

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Commentary:

Our scripture reading this week is the continuation and conclusion of Paul’s eschatological sharing and encouragement to the doubting and worrying Thessalonian Christians that began in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (see last week’s lectionary). After working through their genuine concerns, Paul here exhorts them then to continue to live faithfully as they have been. His encouragement comes through a few key pointers.

1.     Be aware of the times – Even for Christians who have been living with such eager longing and expectation of Christ to return even in their life-time (see last week’s 1 Thess 4:13-18 commentary), Paul saw it wise to reaffirm wise living in recognition that the Lord’s eminent return is at hand (v1-3). He cites the worldly posture of ‘peace and safety’ (v3) in comparison likely drawing clear parallels to the time of Noah.

2.     Remember who you are – Paul reminds them of their identity in Christ as children of the light and children of the day (v5). He shifts from speaking about wisdom that comes with recognizing the times to wisdom that comes from knowing your identity in Christ. Fight as if in a war (v8) to stay sober, to trust and keep loving, and hold on to the hope they have in Christ not because it is a good cause but because it is who they are in Christ (v7). Do not be like others who are asleep to who they are and who get drunk to drown what is missing (v8). If you are suffering, know that it is not God’s wrath (v9), but rather just as the world first rejected and persecuted Christ, it will hate you too because you are His children and servants (John 15:18). Instead our suffering with Him is proof that we belong to Him, and we can take heart because we will receive our salvation through Jesus Christ (v9-10).

3.     It is Christ who won the victory for us – Whether we are asleep or awake, and whatever the circumstances of sin and misalignment they might be in, Paul reminded them that they can take comfort that Christ has died and paid the price for them to be with Him (10). Truly nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). All that is left for them to do then is to continue to trust, love, hold on to their blessed hope and continue to be transformed as they practice and live out who they are in Christ. Paul recognized that there would definitely be slip-ups, discouragements, and hardships (v11). During these times, Paul urged them to remember these encouragements of his and to also encourage one another with them.  

  • REFLECT

    1.     Be aware of the times -  Honestly consider what the bible counsels us about the times that we are living in as well as how the Lord’s return will be like. Does our life choices, disciplines, and routines reflect that of someone prepared for our Lord’s return? Or are our lives more driven by financial markets, worldly success markers, our next certification or promotion, or even our own family or work agendas? Be aware that simply being ‘good’ in societal standards and ‘doing no harm’ are not biblical markers of preparedness or alignment to Jesus. Have discussions with your cell group, leaders, and other God fearing Christians with the intention of purposefully wanting to follow and know Christ in these last days. How can we make changes to live in alignment to the times scripture and the Holy Spirit is showing us?  

    2.     Remember who you are – What would other people looking at your life say about who you are and who you belong to? How does your life reflect that of being children of the light and day? Does our lives glorify our Father in heaven or simply ourselves? What is one core identity as His child that the Holy Spirit is showing you of late? How can your life and choices reflect that moving forward? What disciplines and rituals will you fight for in your life that will reinforce and facilitate the growth of Jesus in our hearts and lives? Share with and be accountable to someone one discipline or ritual that you hope to add to your life. Prayerfully submit it to God and track it with your CG or partner. 

    3.     It is Christ who won the victory for us – How are we as people? Are we constantly striving towards personal righteousness? How do we face our own brokenness and sin and that of others around us? How does our lives reflect that our victory and salvation is truly in Christ? Who or what fuels our lives? John Newton, the writer of the song ‘Amazing Grace’, said at the end of his life that “Although my memory is fading, two things I remember very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great saviour.” Knowing authentically who we are and who it is that saved us is key when it comes to sustainability in our Christian walk. After all, Jesus Himself counselled that we be clear who is the True Vine and who we are as His branches (John 15). Then only can we make all effort to abide in Him, bear much fruits that will last, and have our joy complete (John 15). 

reading for: FRIDAY Night, 17 november

 Psalm 123

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How do we learn to enter into God's presence? How do we prepare for our daily encounters with God in prayer, weekly gatherings in our LGs and services?

Psalm 123 is a song of ascent. A song which pilgrims going for their weekly "service" in the Jerusalem temple would sing. A simple song that's can be helpful for our own preparation. A movement of our eyes to our heart.

The first 2 verses are all about where our eyes and focus is. And as we enter and walk or drive towards Jurong West, we remember first that it's God's presence that we look to. God's presence in our services, God who is enthroned and ruling despite all that is happening. It is this King which we want to focus our eyes and attentions on. This King who deserves our attention.

What do we look for? We ultimately are looking for His mercy. God's mercy is also God's lovingkindness. His love and kindness extended to us, our situations and our world. His lovingkindness that extends forgiveness despite our sinfulness. His loving-kindness that seeks to transform us and make us more like His children.

We look for Him just as a servant looks to his master. Just as a mistress looks to her mistress. In other words, we keenly watch and wait with anticipation for that millisecond.

The sin and brokenness we experience in our daily life, world and family can sometimes be overwhelming. And so often we feel crushed and beaten by it. Sometimes even we are the ones contributing to it. We get so broken by feeling despised, trampled and misunderstood. And sometimes we react the same way.

This is why we need God's mercy. This is why we look to the One who can transform us and our surroundings and people. For outside of Him, outside of His lovingkindness to us we would be hopeless. This is why we look to Him. Why we focus our eyes and hearts on the One who is the Giver of Life and bringing forth a new hope in our world.

  • REFLECT

    Take time to meditate and chew on Psalm 123. Read it once through, read it the second time aloud, listen to it a third time read out by your bible app.

    Take time to focus on one or two words in the Psalm and see how it fits into the sentence and verse. Imagine preparing to go to Jurong West on a Sunday, and as you travel there by bus, mrt or car, repeat the words of this Psalm.

    Think and remember your week that has passed. What were 1 or 2 significant moments in your past week? How would you like God’s lovingkindness to be expressed?

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