Jesus sandwiches this parable of the Bags of Gold between the parable of The Ten Virgins, which we considered last week, and the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, which we will ponder next week. Consider how they are aspects of the same description of how God wants things to be in his Kingdom.
Jesus told us constantly that he would be going away but would one day return to the kingdom he established here on earth to marry it to his Kingdom in heaven. This is a fact and an event we eagerly await.
In his stories, “The Kingdom is like this. . .”, Jesus suggests that
it could be a long time before he returns. Many generations would come and go; there would be wars, earthquakes, floods and famines, but, ultimately and collectively, we will be brought to him to settle accounts. Then either Jesus will joyfully take us to be with him in his Kingdom forever or woefully cast us out forever.
God means business! The Creator is the
ultimate businessman who guarantees success. He oversees and provides all the resources, workforce and skills to ensure the success of his Kingdom. Today, we glimpse the sheer joy and happiness that awaits those purposeful, diligent, and hardworking servants in his Kingdom. Notice the sense of joy as each hardworking servant presents their results: “See, I have gained . . .!”
Our generous but just God longs to share his joy, peace, creation, and success with his servants. Any judgment is based on what was and is and what could have been better. Even the successful servants would have made bad decisions, made mistakes along the path of their service, and faltered along the way. But the Master knows that they persevered and worked consistently to produce a good result for him.
This is the story of the life of any servant – your life and mine – but Jesus comes as the good, perfect, and righteous judge to call us to account – to present to him what we have achieved.
How would you feel standing before Jesus right now?
Ask him to give you, an honest and hardworking servant, a glimpse of the joy of that day when he comes. Imagine his words now: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Let this be your consolation today and always.
Reflections by Reginald Venter
