Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

Daily Reading: Matthew 25

Scripture Focus: 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. (Matthew 25.21)

Devotional Thought: "Well done, good and faithful servant." I want to hear those words some day, to hear them from my Master, Jesus Christ. How can I live my life in such a way that I will hear them? Do I have to double my talents? I like how Ralph Earle answered that question in The Beacon Bible Commentary (pp. 226-227)...

"The first two men reported that they had doubled the talents given them. In reply the master said exactly the same words of commendation to both servants. The reward he promised was based on faithfulness, not ability. It is extremely significant that both servants were commended for being good and faithful, not for being capable and clever. These are two honest, solid virtues everyone can have - the poor as well as the rich, the uneducated as well as the brilliant intellectual. These are the only two things God requires of everyone - that he be good in character and faithful in service."

When we are saved by the blood of Jesus, the story is not over. It is just beginning. Having done the work of salvation for us, God still has work to do in us and through us. The saved person must become a good person, living according to the will of God, leaving his sin and entering into God's holiness. The good person, then, must become a faithful servant. He or she must doe the work of God, loving - in tangible ways - the lost and the saved, the haves and the have-nots.

Today, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you, to form you, and to guide you into works of service.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, that it is by grace I am saved, through faith not through works lest I should boast. But help me, Lord, to do the works which you have prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face, 16 who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. 17 For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. 18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 89:14-18)