...Others can learn from it, too.
The Brick and I are big fans of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a 19th century preacher whose writing (and lessons) are just as fresh now as they were back then. We irreverently call him Chuck now and then, especially when he gets overwhelmed, and breaks into poetry. Bad poetry. So far, though, we've been forgiven for our rudeness. (Sorry, Chuckles.)
Today's bit, from Spurgeon's Morning by Morning (also called Morning and Evening), seemed particularly apt.
“And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.”— 2 Chronicles 25:9
A very important question this seemed to be to the king of Judah, and possibly it is of even more weight with the tried and tempted O Christian. To lose money is at no times pleasant, and when principle involves it, the flesh is not always ready to make the sacrifice.
“Why lose that which may be so usefully employed? May not the truth itself be bought too dear? What shall we do without it? Remember the children, and our small income!”
All these things and a thousand more would tempt the Christian to put forth his hand to unrighteous gain, or stay himself from carrying out his conscientious convictions, when they involve serious loss. All men cannot view these matters in the light of faith; and even with the followers of Jesus, the doctrine of “we must live” has quite sufficient weight.
The Lord is able to give thee much more than this is a very satisfactory answer to the anxious question. Our Father holds the purse-strings, and what we lose for his sake he can repay a thousand-fold.
It is ours to obey his will, and we may rest assured that he will provide for us. The Lord will be no man’s debtor at the last. Saints know that a grain of heart’s-ease is of more value than a ton of gold.
He who wraps a threadbare coat about a good conscience has gained a spiritual wealth far more desirable than any he has lost. God’s smile and a dungeon are enough for a true heart; his frown and a palace would be hell to a gracious spirit.
Let the worst come to the worst, let all the talents go, we have not lost our treasure, for that is above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Meanwhile, even now, the Lord maketh the meek to inherit the earth, and no good thing doth he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
A good reminder that what we have isn't really ours -- it's God's.
How much will we trust Him with it?
3 comments:
Just wondering so I looked it up.
According to Wikipedia a Roman talent of gold was about 100 pounds
one pound has 16 ounces (English system not troy ounces)
Today a one-ounce Gold Eagle will sell for $1,875 (prices have really dropped recently)
So $1,875 times 16 ounces times 100 pounds is
$3,000,000 for one talent of gold
He had 100 talents of gold so
$3,000,000 times 100 talents is $300,000,000
No wonder the King of Judah was concerned about what to do with the money but to God, it was nothing.
Hmmm.
I just realized the parable of the man who buried his one talent (and was thrown into outer darkness for that decision) was really quite rich. I always assumed he was cheated because he was only given one.
Another hmmm.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
This is a very good reminder - I've become a little "judge-y" lately and need to examine my conscience with regards to being obedient to God's call and letting Him deal with the outcomes. Thanks!
Thanks for writing, both of you.
The 'talents' story seemed a little unfair to me, too...give the extra to the guy who had plenty?!? But it's the same as the employer who pays all his employees the same -- even though the last ones worked a lot less. Who are we to argue or order God around...who knows what we're thinking...
I remember, too, the widow who gave less than a cent -- but was praised highly by Jesus because it was all she had.
It's not the amount; it's the attitude and the willingness to be generous, as well as careful with our $$. It was a good reminder for me, too!
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