11-25-2025 PART 1: Reckoning and Reward: Faithfulness That Pleases the Lord

Section 1
This passage reflects on the parable of the three servants in Matthew 25, emphasizing how the Master—clearly representing Jesus—entrusts His people with different measures of responsibility, opportunities, and gifts in proportion to their capacity . The teaching underscores that Jesus never asks anything from His followers without also equipping them. Whether these gifts appear as time, talent, influence, finances, or opportunities, they are given intentionally and personally. The parable unfolds with two servants immediately putting their entrusted resources to use, while the third hides his single bag of gold. When the Master returns after a long absence, the servants give an account. This long delay mirrors the time between Jesus’ first and second coming, reminding believers that they, too, will stand before Him to answer for how they handled what He placed in their care.

Section 2
The text highlights that salvation and stewardship are not identical. Salvation secures where a person will spend eternity, but stewardship relates to how that eternity will be experienced, as rewards are connected to faithfulness rather than comparison. The first servant, who doubled his five bags of gold, is commended not because of the amount earned but because of the diligence shown. God does not evaluate His people based on how their results compare to others but rather on how they managed what He specifically gave them to handle. Faithfulness in small things matters deeply, for even simple acts—an encouraging note, a timely word, offering support—are seen and valued by God. The message is clear: He equips every believer with what they need and does not reward inactivity or fear-based neglect.

Section 3
A personal reflection follows, illustrating how the longing to hear “Well done, My good and faithful servant” shapes the heart of someone striving to serve the Lord with sincerity. The story recounts a powerful moment during worship when a specific song served as unexpected confirmation from God, offering reassurance and strength after a difficult journey. This serves as a reminder that the Lord not only equips but also encourages His people along the way. The larger message returns to the parable: God delights not in worldly success but in spiritual faithfulness. Wealth is irrelevant; what pleases Him is being rich toward God—serving with sincerity, using what He has given, and walking forward in trust.