Hello Church,
Over the next 2 weeks in worship, we will share the rest of Matthew 25. This week we read the parable of the talents, and on November 22, the judgment of the nations. Chapters 23-25 of Matthew's Gospel encompass the last of the 5 Discourses (speeches, sermons) in the Gospel. Matthew is structured around these 5 Discourses. As you might have picked up from last Sunday's Scripture, this last one is the Judgment Discourse, concluding with the three readings from chapter 25. They are the parable of the bridesmaids, the parable of the talents, and the judgment of the nations.
Each of them attempts to offer encouragement and insight to the church community about how live faithfully, and in continual preparation for the fulfillment of God's Kingdom. You might say that means living as if God's Kingdom is already here. 1) Use holy and healthy disciplines to keep your spirit nurtured, keep your lamp filled with oil. 2) Take the risk of sharing God's abundance and life so that God's kingdom may grow and flourish. 3) Pay particular attention to the needs of the world around us, for Christ will certainly be there waiting.
These are parables of judgment. There are consequences for not heeding these words. But they are not shared to illicit fear. This week, acting out of fear will bring judgment in our story. These parables are also shared as a call. They are a call to continue to living a life of authentic faith rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus, a life devoted to deeds of justice and mercy, a life always joyfully ready and preparing for the full completion of God's loving kingdom. May God's Kingdom be seen and felt among us and through us, here and now! Well done, good and faithful servant!
Pastor Alan