Learning From A Long Trip

Introduction

In this parable, Jesus tells of a wealthy man who gives money to three of his servants. He gives it to them for use in his service. The money given to the servants represents what God gives to you and to me to use for Him. In the parable, the wealthy man goes on the long trip, and he tells his servants two things, First, he tells them to do their best, because they were expected to be faithful. Second, he tells them to expect his return, because they were going to be accountable for what they do with His money.

Jesus is the Master. He gives us gifts. He has physically gone back to heaven, though His Spirit is with us, and He has told us to be faithful to Him on this earth. He also warned us that He is coming again and He will inspect what we have done with all that He has placed in our hands.

What can we learn from the long trip the man in the parable took?

I. The Giving Of The Master To His Servants

A. Giving In Love for Faithful Use

First, God gives us talents out of love for us, and not out of obligation. He doesn’t have to give us anything. He shares blessings with us so that we can know the joy of sharing in His work.

B. Given In Light of Abilities

Second, God measures His talents in light of our abilities. He knows what each of us is capable of handling. He grants us gifts, talents and opportunities based on His perfect knowledge of our abilities.

C. Given To Lift Up The Master

Third, God expects the talents He has shared with us to be used for His glory. These talents (money, gifts, abilities; possessions and all things which make us who we are) are not to make us better than anyone else; they are given to us so that the glory may go to HIM! God knows that every talent is important. It does not matter how small or great the talent or gift is that God gives us. God is no respecter of persons. Every gift or talent, no matter how small or great, is of critical importance in the work of God.

D. Given For Labor Assistance

God expects every talent to be developed to its fullest potential. The talents we have are not for the showcase but for the work place. They are not for display but rather they are to be employed in His business!

II.  The Going Forth Of The Faithful Servants

A. The Promptness Of The Faithful Servants

The servants were prompt and they went to work at once. We are not to be idle in God’s business. Our lives are short. Christ’s return is soon. We must be busy about our Father’s Business.

B. The Professionalism Of The Faithful Servants

They were professional, so they worked regardless of location of the Master. We are to be on duty all the time. The Christian life is a 24/7/365 proposition. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, we are HIS servants.

C. The Persistence Of The Faithful Servants

They were persistent, so leisure time was never to impede the cause of the owner. They were to be steady for their master. Again and again, in the New Testament, a consistent and persistent faithfulness is emphasized by the Lord.

D. The Participation Of The Faithful Servants

They were prepared to participate rather than observe. So many Christians observe others, and often criticize what they see, but they do not participate in fully using the gifts God has given them. We are to take part in glorifying God with the talents God has given to each of us.

III. The Gamble of the Unfaithful Servant

But, we note that one of the servants was not faithful. He is called the “unfaithful” servant. Why is he seen as  unfaithful by the Master?

A. He Gambled That The Master Would Not Appear

He gambled that the master would not return, but of course the one who gave them the gifts did come - just as he promised. Listen, Jesus is going to call us to account for our lives. Christians are  expected to be faithful with all that the Master has given us.  We must be aware that our Master is coming back and we must stand before Him. In fact, there are more prophecies in the Bible concerning the return of Christ than there are concerning the first coming of Christ.

B. He Gambled That The Master Would Not Make Him Accountable

The Master held the unfaithful servant accountable for His actions – or for His lack of unfaithfulness. This is important. We often think of sin in terms of what we do that is wrong. Jesus pointed out that the sin of not doing just we do that is evil but also regards what we fail to do. We will be held just as accountable for we have done and what we have failed to do.

C. He Gambled That The Master Would Accept His Apology

The unfaithful servant thought he could make an excuse and that the Master would accept it as a kind of apology. Forget it! He will not do that. He has blessed us beyond words. No excuses will be accepted.

In the end, the unfaithful servant gambled that the Master would be pleased with nothing in return for what the Master had given. He was WRONG! The Master is looking for us to put to use that which He has given to each of us.

IV. The Goodness of the Master to the Faithful Servants

A. He Knows Our Efforts

God knows what you are doing with that which He gave you, even if no one else does. The applause of men is fleeting, but God keeps a record. He knows your prayers, your witness, your financial gifts, you attendance in church, your study of His Word, and all the other things you do.

B. He Knows Our Hearts

God looks on the heart. He knows your intentions, even if you fail at times. It is better to try and then fail, than to hide your gifts. Nothing is worse than doing nothing for Jesus.

C. He Knows Our Rewards

God has rewards in store for those who are faithful. You may not get your reward here. That is okay – He will give you a just reward at a greater meeting, in a more glorious audience one day.

Some years ago an American President had been on a safari to Africa. He was there to hunt animals. He came home on a ship and on that same ship was a missionary returning to America from a lifetime of service in a far away land. The missionary had been deprived of family experiences, including Christmas gatherings, Thanksgiving days, birthdays of extended family, etc., for many years.

The missionary and American President arrived on the same ship. As the President departed the ship a band played Hail to the Chief. Crowds applauded. The media was there to take pictures and write the story for the newspapers. The President waved to the crowd, climbed into his limousine and everyone turned and left.

The missionary walked down the gangplank to no applause, no music and no newspaper coverage of his years of service. He went to a hotel room to spend the night before going back to the home he left long before. In his room, he got down on his knees and wept. He prayed something like this: “Lord, I have served you all these years. I slept in huts, swatted giant mosquitoes, ate food when I didn’t even know what it was, taught your word and preached for all these years. But, a President comes home from a two week safari and gets a grand welcome home. Lord, I don’t understand it.”

The missionary stated later that he felt he heard the voice of the Lord say to him, “Don’t you understand, my child, you are not HOME YET!”

Be faithful servant. Don’t gamble on God not doing what He said He would do. He will come back. He will look for a return on His investment in you. And for those of you being very faithful, don’t worry if you don’t get much attention. YOU ARE NOT HOME YET!