Faithful Service and its Reward
S. M'All. Matthew 25:14-30 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.… This portion of the Divine word, while bearing on one great truth, was intentionally fitted to a great many truths. Such as the following: I. As Christians, WE ARE SERVING AN UNSEEN MASTER. Our Lord is here compared to one who hath gone to a far country. II. He hath gone to RECEIVE TO HIMSELF A KINGDOM (Luke 19:12; Matthew 25:21, etc.) The conflict is past and the labour is ended. He is exalted to the Father's right hand, etc. His people acknowledge Him to be their king. III. In the absence of this heavenly Prince a great AND RESPONSIBLE CHARGE IS DEVOLVED UPON HIS SERVANTS (ver. 14.) His servants are charged with perpetuating and administering the affairs of His kingdom. They are the living depositories of His truth. They are not only to conserve the truth, but to diffuse it, etc. IV. IT IS A LONG TIME ERE THE LORD OF THOSE SERVANTS COMETH AND RECKONETH WITH THEM. In some of its aspects life is short; in others it is long — very long. How long does it sometimes seem to watch with your Lord only one hour? And so, the slothful servant says, My Master delayeth His coming and the foolish virgins sink into sleep; and the soul who is like a bride adorned for her husband asks, "Why are his chariot wheels so long in coming?" V. THE RESULTS OF WERE DONE FOR CHRIST REMAIN. When the talents are used they grow by use, and increase for God. VI. VARIED AND ABUNDANT REWARDS ARE RESERVED FOR THE FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF CHRIST. He who had gone into the far country comes back invested with honour and power to raise others to honour. He is ableto give rule. Putting aside the imagery, may we not picture what would be the actual blessedness of a faithful servant thus applauded, and thus more than repaid. No commendation like the Master's "well done." Every faithful servant shall have praise of God. The holy felicity has within it the means of its own replenishment. It is His joy we go to share. "Be thou faithful," etc. (S. M'All.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. WEB: "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them.