Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Illustration Of The Talents

"After a long time," Jesus continues, "The master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them." It was not until the 20th century, some 1,900 years later, that Christ returned to settle accounts, so it was, indeed, "after a long time." Then Jesus explains: "The one that had received five talents came forward and brought five additional talents, saying, 'Master, you committed five talents to me; see, I gained five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' " The slave that received two talents likewise doubled his talents, and he received the same commendation and reward.

How, though, do these faithful slaves enter into the joy of their Master? Well, the joy of their Master, Jesus Christ is that of receiving possession of the Kingdom when he went abroad to his Father in heaven. As for the faithful slaves in modern times they have great joy in being entrusted with further Kingdom responsibilities, and as they finish their earthly course, they will have culminating joy of being resurrected to the heavenly Kingdom,. But what about the third slave?

"Master, I knew you to be an exacting man," this slave complains. "So I grew afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." The slave deliberately refused to work in the cultivated field by preaching and making disciples. So the master calls him "wicked and sluggish" and pronounces the judgment: "Take away the talent from him . . . And throw the good-for-nothing slave out into the darkness outside. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be." Those of this evil slave class, being cast aside, are deprived of any spiritual joy.

This sets forth a solemn lesson for all who profess to be followers of Christ. If they are to enjoy his commendation and reward, and avoid being thrown into the darkness outside and ultimate destruction, they must work for the increase of the belongings of their heavenly Master by having a full share in the preaching work. Are you diligent in this regard?

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991