about a year ago some friends, with two beautiful children, called to ask if jeff and i would be willing to be part of a team that would oversee the execution of their wishes should they die- wow...what an honor. this is the closest "real life" situation that i can think of to illustrate the parable of the talents in matthew 25:14-30. in this parable the master entrusted his property (vs14) to his servants while he went away. after a long time (vs19) the master returns and the servants are held accountable for their management of the goods. just as we were asked to be responsible for carrying out our friends will, God- in his goodness- has entrusted me to carry out His will within the situation he has placed me in. in the parable, the master gave different "situations" to each of his servants- one got five talents, another two and the last was given one. just like in life, each of us have different situations- nearly each week at bible study i sit next to a single mom, of two young children, who is fighting breast cancer- and do you know what she prays for each week? not for a cure, not for a better support system, not even just to feel better- but that God would be glorified in her health situation. her current season is what i would call a "one talent season", a season of life when carrying out "The Will" requires that one steps outside of her comfort to walk a path ordained by a God that at times looks harsh and scary (vs 24, 25), but the great thing about my friend (which is quite different than the response of the one talent servant in parable) is she is living her life like it is a two or a five talent season---she is looking for opportunities to be good and faithful (vs 23)--because she knows, He is good and faithful.
