GOD IS AN INVESTOR (4).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*GOD IS AN INVESTOR (4)*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Matt 25:14-30.

v14 *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.*

v15 *And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.*

v16 *Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.*

v17 *And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.*

v18 *But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.*

v19 *After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.*

v20 *And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.*

v21 *His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.*

v22 *He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.*

v23 *His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.*

v24 *Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:*

v25 *And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.*

v26 *His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:*

v27 *Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.*

v28 *Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.*

v29 *For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.*

v30 *And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Jesus created us equal but with different abilities.

*Scripture Commentaries.*.

Jesus created us equal: He *"....created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.*, (Gen 1:27, 5:2), but with different abilities.

Though He created equally, He did not distribute His talents equally but equitably.

The parable of the talents is about talents: not distributed equally but equitably.

It is a parable of fairness at distribution resources: allocating resources based on individual abilities to ensure equal outcomes.

Unlike equality which is described as

sameness; providing identical resources, rights, or opportunities to all but not recognizing or realizing their different abilities.

In an equitable economy people are evaluated on their abilities.

In God's equitable distribution of talents One-size-does-not fit-all". It is a tailored economy where shoes fit each person's unique foot size) to achieve a just result.

Unlike the world's kingdom economy where "one-size-fits-all": meaning the same size of shoes for everyone.

Jesus teaches that He watches us and knows what each of us is worth and no matter how low anyone's ability is, he is worth investing something in.

An equitable distribution of a nation's wealth teaches that regions which generate more wealth ought to have extra-compensatory allocation to recycle and revolve the system or operation that makes the wealth.

God does not discourage equality but sees equity as the way to achieve equality.

Though the first two were given different talents (an equitable distribution according to their abilities) they were both praised equally.

The master praised them both with the statement *".......will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.*, Matt 25: 21-23.

No one is useless and we all will be equitably used by God but it is up to each of us to prove ourselves.

*Remorse corner.*

It is a parable that the Kingdom uses equity, teaching that we are not all equal though created in the image of God.

*Call to Word action.*

We are created the same but God realizes that we have different circumstances, advantages, or disadvantages.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

God is just, fair. Though it was His intentions to make us one both in creation and individual abilities, He is able to recognize our individual differences so He works with us to achieve and fulfill His common purpose, Phil 2:13.

*Prayer.*

Lord help me to equitably treat people equally. Help me to equally treat people equitably in Jesus name.

Good morning all and be blessed as you come into His presence today.

God bless you.

Shalom.