Jesus often taught in parables – simple stories about everyday things that illustrated a profound spiritual truth. The parable of the talents is one of those. The characters in the story represent various types of people in the kingdom. Who is this rich master who went away to a far country? It’s the Master — Jesus.
When He told this parable, Jesus was well aware that within weeks He would go on a long journey—to the distant heavens—where he would take up His place at the right hand of the Father. And in the same way the parable tells us that the rich man would be away for a long time, Jesus knew that His return would not be as soon as some people might imagine—Yet Jesus knew that He, like the rich man, would return to receive back His possessions and obtain a careful accounting from each one.
Who are these three servants in the parable? They represent you and me, and every other person who is called to serve the Master. They symbolize every servant of God who is born into His house, bought with His blood, and employed for His praise and profit. While the rich man called his servants to manage his financial empire, the Lord Jesus has called you and me to manage His earthly kingdom. We have been given an enormous responsibility. We manage the earthly affairs of the Master of masters, the Lord of lords.
God has entrusted much to us. King David in Psalm 8:3-6 expressed his wonder at how much trust God has placed into the hands of human beings. Think of it! God went to all that work to create a perfect world; yet He entrusted humankind with all of it. What incredible confidence He has in His finite creatures! Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast brings a message entitled “Use It—Or Lose It”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others.
Immediately following worship, you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for our Annual “Red, White, and Blue BBQ” featuring BBQ hamburgers & hot dogs, potato salad, beans, and delicious ice cream treats. You’ll also experience the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere. We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
