Recently I have had some dental issues that have not only silenced me but have also drastically changed my eating habits. I have been on a strictly liquid, soup and grit (oatmeal sort of) diet for almost a week. While I had time to think, and reflect I began to miss food. I love to eat and today I have had the worst craving for a slice of Williams Inn or Giordano's pizza. There are few things that I would not give to have a hot slice of Chicago style pizza right now. But along with my hunger cravings have come my reflections on this situation. I know that if I could eat pizza now I probably would not even want it, because I can't remember the last time I had some. Honestly I only eat pizza like that once a month if that. So I've come to the conclusion that I'm just missing all the things that I usually have such easy access to, hence today's title you never appreciate what you got till it's gone.
In today's scripture of focus Jesus tells a parable about talents given out, and at the end of the story two of three persons have used and grown their talents. The master was pleased and gave them even more talents. But one person did not use their talent but buried it instead. The master was upset that this person did not use their talent and didn't even invest in their talent. So the master took the talent away from the third person.
I believe in my heart that if this were a true story (this is not a true story-it is a parable told by Jesus) that the person who had their talent taken would have lost nights of sleep missing it. But when they had it it was not worth investing in.
Let's look to the scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” 21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The questions for today are simple: 1) How are we using, and growing our talents for God's glory? 2)What things do we take for granted, that if not able to access we would surely miss?
Today or tonight take time out to appreciate all of the little and big things, life, love, family, fiances, food, clothes, work, school, pets, siblings, health, pain, sun and rain. Give God thanks for all of the above, many more and for your specific gifts and talents. Together let's be the best stewards of our talents.
Until next time Be Well.
Love Pastor J.
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