Scripture

Matthew 25:19-29

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 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.’ 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.’ 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.’ 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.’ 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, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 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? 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. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 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.

Prayer

God our heavenly father, you are the God who rewards the risk-takers, the ones who believe despite the temptation of unbelief, the ones who choose not to settle for comfort and "playing it safe" in this life. You inspire and reward us when we trust something beyond our own understanding. You lift up those who say yes when you call. God give us strength, courage, and curiosity enough to help bring heaven to earth. Help us to be selfless, risking our time and resources as we invest in others. And God, increase these investments by transforming hearts, cities, nations, and the world. We trust you and love you and will not hide away the resources you have given us. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen

-Jordan Gignilliat