Monday, February 10, 2025

As we continue to share some of the devotions written by Dr. John Buchanan during his time as Pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church, today we read a reflection from August 2003.

Today's Scripture
Luke 19:12–26

So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’ (NRSV)

Reflection

Another brilliant short story by Jesus, retold a generation later by the skilled writer, Luke. Matthew’s version of the story is more familiar — so familiar, in fact, that we sometimes fail to be startled by its outcome.

What, after all, is wrong with being prudent and cautious and conservative? People who pulled money out of the stock market and hid it under the mattress have, at times, looked pretty savvy. But this is not about financial investing. It is about a lifestyle, a philosophy of living and a way of being faithful to God, which, after all, is the real intent of the whole Bible.

People are given resources: money, intelligence, energy, imagination, skills, days, weeks, years, decades. Some invest, assuming risks. Resources are lost along the way. More resources are given. God blesses the life of investing, using, spending whatever it is we have been given. Other people wrap it all up, put it in the bank, hide it in the ground and at the end of the day have it all, no more, no less. That’s not so good, Jesus says. That’s not faithful to the One who gave you the resources. These people are treated very roughly in Jesus’ story.

I can’t think of a more relevant message for all of us. We have one life to live. Our “talents” are whatever gifts we have been given, whoever we are: our money, our time, our particular skills, whatever they are, generous or modest — building a bridge, writing a poem, making a home, loving a child, running a corporation, hitting a baseball, keeping an account — God wants you and me to invest it, spend it, use it, risk it. Jesus taught that, in the final analysis, it’s the only way to live.

Prayer
I’m tempted to protect what I have, dear God. I’m inclined not to risk any more than I have to. Teach me today the blessedness of using what I have for your glory and living my life fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by John M. Buchanan, Pastor Emeritus
August 19, 2003

Contact the Devotions team

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email