Matthew 25: Vs 21 and 23

The Master commended both of his servants the same despite them having different capacities and outcomes from their work. The Master was not interested in quantity but quality. All they did was to multiply their talent (MULTIPLICATION)

Compare it with verse 26 - You wicked and lazy servant! The least you could have done was to deposit it in the bank and earn some interest on it (LEAST)

Some have equated that 1 bag of gold to be approx 1 million USD, The MSG uses 1000usd. One talent is equal to 6000 denarii which was able to pay a laborer for 20yrs. This guy focused on wrong things that blinded him from seeing the value of what God had given him. As much as God gives according to our capacity BUT WE CAN GROW OUR CAPACITY to move from a manager of 1 bag, to a manager of 2,4,5,10 etc

The question is: What wrong things are you focusing on, while denying yourself the potential to grow your capacity?

The Master commended his servants with full of praise WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. You have been faithful in handling this small amount so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together

• The only thing that the servants did was to Double their talents - In doubling their talents God sees a faithful servant (faithfulness equating to multiplication.
• Growing, investing and expanding what God has entrusted you with
• Being a good steward

Note how Jesus flips it and relate it to the kingdom of God

• Vs 21& 23 “Come let us celebrate together or cone share your Master's happiness ”
• Vs 30 “Throw that worthless servant  outside, into darkness, where they will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”

How can I get God to look at me at the end of my life and say Well Done Good and Faithful Servant?

1. Do things well (Excellent Spirit in us like it was in Daniel
2. Get it Done - going to the grave empty finish that task
3. Remain good and do good; No stepping on people that are under/above us. Everywhere Jesus went he was doing good.
4. Being faithful - sees a faithful servant (faithfulness equating to multiplication. 2 Kings 12:15 You don’t need someone to police you to be honest, You know your calling as a child of God. Growing, investing and expanding what God has entrusted you with.
5. Recognize that I am a steward (A servant of God). The resources we accumulate are not ours but the Lords

HOW CAN WE GET THINGS DONE WITH EXCELLENCY IN THIS CRAZY WORLD WHILE REMAINING GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF THE LORD OUR MASTER?

We want to draw lessons from the life of Joseph. Genesis 37 -45

• Starts with a 17yrs Child Loved by the father but bullied and hated by the brothers vs 2
• Living in the dream enjoying the benefits from his loving father, dreamer while being hated
• Was available to do the task until its done vs 13-17 (he was to go to Shechem but went all the way to Dothan From Home 80Kms and the extra trip was 24Km
• Met the reality of life being cast in a situation where he thought nobody was there to protect him
• Gen 39vs 2 But the Lord was with Joseph - So he succeeded in everything he did
• Lord blessed Potiphar’s household for the sake of Joseph
• Vs 21- 23 But the Lord was with Joseph and he was a favorite with the Prison Warden (Psalm 46:1 - He is our present help in times of trouble)
• Was Desperate and needed help Gen 40 :14-15 Please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you
• Vs 23 But the chief cup bearer however forgot all about Joseph. People can forget you BUT THE LORD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU
• Joseph acknowledged that It’s God power to interpret dreams,
• 41:38 Can we find someone else like this man so obviously filled with the Spirit of God. Let the world acknowledge God through our services and conduct
• Joseph at the place of influence and power was able to forgive his brothers because he was seeing a big picture - God’s perspective. Always pray that God open your spiritual eyes to see God’s perspective Always

Lessons

1. God’s Plans and purposes are far much greater than our own Jer 29:11, Jer 33:3. It’s not just about you. You are part of God’s rescue plan for Malawi. Through you God will minister HOPE, WILL BRING SOLUTIONS that will change peoples lives!
2. God provides and blesses those who persevere to follow Him and makes His way for his children. It does not matter where you are. Psalm 23
3. Suffering to God’s people is not always bad! God can use the most painful time of our life’s for his good and for the good of those that wanted your downfall. No reason for revenge
4. There is value in SELF CONTROL. We are living in the do whatever you want culture. Judges 17:6 Israel had no King, everyone did as they saw fit. WE HAVE OUR KING CHRIST JESUS, we need to be conscience of this reality/fact
5. God honors patience and perseverance in time of troubles
6. Strive for honesty and strong work ethics 2 Kings 12:15, Joseph laid down the best principle In times of plenty invest so that they take care of your times of scarcity.

PRAYER

• LORD HELP US TO BE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS!
• HELP US TO GET THINGS DONE WITH EXCELLENCY!
• HELP US TO DEVELOP OUR CAPACITY