Matthew 25:-1-13 – “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise. ³ When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them. ⁴ But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. ⁵ When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. ⁶ But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is here!  Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ ‘No,’ they replied. ‘There won’t be enough for you and for us.  Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet.  Then the door was shut. ¹¹ Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord!  Let us in!’ ¹² But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’ ¹³ Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, Matthew 25 captured my thoughts.  The parable of the ten virgins touched me.  One of the messages was “Stay Full, Stay Ready, Stay Prepared.”

In keeping with that theme, we begin in verse 14 and see a powerful truth—gifts, ability, usage, reward, and judgment.  Verse 14 is a picture of Jesus after His earthly ministry (after the Cross).  Verse 15 depicts the ministry and purpose of His followers as they await His return.

Gifts are given according to ability (not equal distribution).  The gift, talent, or ability comes from God.  What we do with it is on us—Matthew 25:21—five talents doubled by use.  The praise and reward come to the faithful steward of God’s gift and call.

Matthew 25:23 – Lesser amounts, but the exact same response.   It is not amount but faithfulness that brings reward.  Matthew 26:25 – No development or use received the ire of the kingdom.  Not only no reward, but also loss of heaven.  God is not focused on numbers or even exploits, but faithfulness.

Gifts and talents can grow with use.  We are not responsible for another’s gift, call, or ability.  We are not to concern ourselves with or become jealous of another.  Our sole focus is our assignment!

Focus is the key.  Matthew 22:36-40 reveals a life pattern that propels us into God’s presence and enables us to develop our talents.   Love God with Everything!   Love Him with the whole heart, soul, and mind.   Love others equal to ourselves.   Love is demonstrated, not simply verbalized, but also moved to action by compassion.

Our love for God is reflected in our love for others.  Our love for God and others is reflected in how we use our gifts, talents, and abilities.

Matthew 25:31-46 is not just a picture of the final judgment but also of how to live now!   If we love God completely, we will serve.   To serve effectively, we must use our gifts fully.  The words well done are not based on the amount or magnitude of exploits but on faithfulness in what we have been given.  Little is much when God is in it.

LORD, help us to stay full, stay ready, and stay prepared!