Sunday, November 16, 2014

What Do We Fear?


Fear Has Torment
 
I was taking notes on the Sunday sermon as Pastor Jerry was reading from the 25th Chapter of Matthew about the parable of the Talents; Three slaves given, Five, Two and One talent apiece.

Matthew 25:24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 30And he commanded to cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The perplexing thing with the third slave was his fear and the terror of outer darkness.

Jesus gave this story as a metaphor about the Kingdom of God and spiritual gifts.

Each of the Master’s talent was valued at about two year’s wages, and the responsibility placed upon the servants was great.  The Master trusted his slaves to invest his money wisely.  Two servants doubled the Master’s money, but the third to be save, hid his because he was afraid.

In today’s economy we place our trust in our bank, pension systems, Social Security and our Government.  Yet the stock markets plummet, and banks fail leaving us with fear.

The disciples of Jesus had fears just to survive with no thought of pension plans.

Pastor told a story about a little girl asking her grandmother, “When bad people die do they go to the place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth? GM said, “Yes.”  The girl said, “What if they don’t have any teeth?  GM said, “God will give them new teeth to gnash.

The Jewish people had many fears and Jesus often commanded them to fear not and do not be afraid.

The Spiritual leaders were afraid of Jesus and his large following.

This Gospel text is about fears and using your talents.

The generous master entrusted his wealth to his slaves.  God is our Master and he has given us talents or gifts, to some one or two and to others a larger amount.  He trusts us to use our talents to serve His kingdom.

Jesus talks a lot about money, and we have strong fears about money especially when we are asked to part with some of our hard earned cash.

In 1999 there was great fear about the year turning over to 2000 and what would happen to the computers, but we heaved a sigh when nothing occurred. 

Two years after there was a huge financial spin in Asia and the biggest bank in the world closed.

The word ability and gift is the same word as talent.  Why do we fear? 

God entrusts each of us with precious gifts.  Sometimes throughout life there is a change and we have different gifts.  There are many Spiritual gifts and some take more “RISK” than others.

Our hope is in Jesus and he expects us to use what He has given us.  We never know when we will be called to accountancy.

We are often worry and are afraid. We’re afraid that we will offend. We’re afraid that we may be laughed at; yet we have the promise that Jesus is there with us as we use our gifts.

So worry warts, do not be afraid – let us go forth and use our talents for God.  Be willing to take a risk for God is over all.

 


4 comments:

TC Avey said...

You're right, there are so many fears that call to us. Yet if we keep our focus on Christ, those fears dim in the light of His glory and grace.

I'm so thankful that the Bible has so many passages about fear and trusting God.
God knows that fear is a real problem for believers and He wants to assure us that we can trust Him.
So often I turn to His Word to drown out my fears.

Lux G. said...

Fear = False Expectations Appearing Real. Most of our fears are baseless. It's sad that some people stop trying due to fear. They let fear paralyze them. Perfect love casts out all fears so it's important to always let God's loving embrace fill us. Great post!

caryjo said...

So much going on now, around and about the world, and, even though I'm not afraid of my Father's focus on me, I'm sometimes heartbroken at the fearfulness and the lack of focus on Him from family, friends, neighbors, towns, cities, states, and nations. So much is filling me with joyfulness and sorrowfulness. Again, I'm "Jeremiah"... that particular prophet really fits into my reactions. You are sharing gorgeously, as usual. Thanks much!

Floyd said...

Fear is definitely part of our fallen nature. One day we're going to look back and realize how foolish we were to fear anything in the world when it along with us sits in the palm of His hand.

Excellent post, reminder, and lesson.