The sunshine and wildlife this morning were glorious. We witnessed puddle ducks, geese, and an egret. There were three rabbits chasing each other around a bush like a merry-go-round, around and around!

This passage make me think of the patience and gentleness that our Lord exhibited towards his disciples.

So many times they wanted to take the Roman world by storm, defending the glorious Messiah in Jerusalem. In essence, Jesus was preparing them for a different storm- one of perseverance as they patiently held on to hope, while doing the work of His kingdom in many different lands.

Investing requires patience and trust (that what was sown will reap a bountiful harvest).

The footnotes show in verses 13, 17 and 22 that the word “servant” from the parable is actually “bondservant” in the Greek. Here is one description of the heart of a bondservant according to The Bible Hub, “This heart posture of bondservanthood is closely tied to humility, a willingness to place God’s will above personal ambition.”

The only way that we can persevere with hope for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done here on earth is through understanding that our investment rests secure because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (Faith in God’s Son, who sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven)

The gospel message came with such power on the believers at Pentecost that the Holy Spirit allowed the disciples of Christ to proclaim it in many languages. (read Acts 2 below) Explained by Bible Hub.com, “The apostles spoke in different languages in Acts 2:7 to fulfill prophecy, authenticate the gospel, reverse Babel, signal judgment and invitation to Israel, empower worldwide mission, and inaugurate the Church under the new covenant of the risen Christ. The event is historically credible, theologically rich, and evangelistically strategic, displaying the sovereignty and grace of God who speaks every language yet calls all people to one Lord.”

Lord, help us to persevere in hope that you will pay off richly on every investment made into Your Kingdom. -Teresa #generosity #service #love #multiplication

Luke 19:11-27 (ESV)

The Parable of the Ten Minas

¹¹ As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.¹² He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. ¹³ Calling ten of his servants,^[a] he gave them ten minas,^[b] and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ ¹⁴ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ ¹⁵ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. ¹⁶ The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ ¹⁷ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!^[c] Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ ¹⁸ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ ¹⁹ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ ²⁰ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; ²¹ for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ ²² He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ ²⁴ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’²⁵ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’²⁶ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ²⁷ But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 19:13 Or bondservants; also verse 15
2. Luke 19:13 A mina was about three months’ wages for a laborer
3. Luke 19:17 Or bondservant; also verse 22

Acts 2:1-4 ESV

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.