The Parable of the Talents as told by Jesus from Matthews account in the synoptic gospel remains one of the most instructive passages in the holy writ. The most prominent of the actors is the steward who buried the only talent he was given. Reading closely, I knew there was something more about this ‘talent-burying fellow’ that we all could learn from. Let’s take a closer look together under the illumination of the author of scriptures, the Holy Spirit.
For starters, we know that the allocation of the talents or abilities was the prerogative of the master who knew the capabilities of his stewards. The talents were not requested for but given (2 Corinthians 4:1). In his omniscience, he has given to every man according to the measure of grace bestowed on us. In this, we find a clue to his purposes for us. He gave us the talents because as the potter he knows the clay well.
However, between verses 19-25 we are given an analysis of each steward’s performance. While the first 2 stewards provided multiple returns, the bible is however silent on the motivation or influences behind their success. Was it a prior experience of failure in profitability, counsel from older stewards? We do not know. However, the bible in a rather subliminal approach tells us why the last one didn’t make a profit. Bear in mind that this is an honest man who did not squander the funds like the prodigal son, sell it for selfish gain, or abuse it. He simply didn’t make a profit and was honest. However, his reason was simple as verse 25 reveals, listen to how message translation captures it.
“The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
HE WAS AFRAID. Therein lies what held him back and what is holding several back from pursuing God’s mandate for their lives today as well; it’s the age-long problem of fear.
Friends, a lot of us know the high standards of our saviour and we are sure afraid of not meeting up. The devil knows this and has used the fear of falling short to keep many believers afraid of producing results with their gifting’s (talents). We forget that we have a high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. We must realize that His first expectation is obedience and not perfection.
Lastly, the bible tells us an alternative approach to take in cases where fear has gripped the steward, stifling his movement to move ahead. Listen to the message translation:
“The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. Matthew 25:26–27 MSG.
Bankers are skilled people who understand how to multiply resources, get result, and are active risk takers. The master was hinting at partnership with those who are already at the business of productivity with their talents. You could have joined them and put your talents to use with them, that way, we would have gotten some yield from those talents instead of burying it.
When Moses was afraid, joining Aaron was the instruction. Deborah’s ministry only emerged because a man who was afraid decided to partner with her thus leading to deliverance for God’s people (Judges 4:8). The list is endless. In working with others, we learn and we gain both wisdom and courage. Yet, much more important is that the results of 2 kingdom laborers will trounce a solo effort riddled bound by fear of failing.
The world has never been in more need for our light as this age in which we live in. It’s time for us to open up the earth and put to use that which the Lord has graciously bestowed on us. Our master is coming soon and may his work prosper in our hands as we await his imminent arrival. Amen
As written by Gbenga Rufai
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