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Dec 12, 2023 18:30pm

Do Something

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For several years, I worked under a grant. The projects and efforts we put forth were governed by those who were over the grant. We were awarded a certain amount of money, but we weren’t free in how we could use it. We had to create a plan and show how each dollar would be spent. There was some flexibility in there, but the use of the money had to achieve the goals we had set forth.

At the end of the allotted time, the overseers of the grant would ask for a report detailing our progress and outcomes from the money they had given us.

What would have happened if we said we had accomplished nothing? We had to have something to show. There had to be progress. Even if we hadn’t accomplished all the goals, we had to show where we were trying.

But to do nothing… that was unacceptable.

It’s a long story today, but one with great importance. Don’t miss it. I used the NLT today to make it a little easier to follow along.

Luke 19:11-27 – NLT

“11 The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. 12 He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. 13 Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver,[a] saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ 14 But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’

15 “After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. 16 The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’

17 “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’

18 “The next servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made five times the original amount.’

19 “‘Well done!’ the king said. ‘You will be governor over five cities.’

20 “But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. 21 I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’

22 “‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, 23 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

24 “Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’

25 “‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’

26 “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 27 And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’”

Why would Jesus share this story? Why would He give this example to the crowd before going to Jerusalem?

If we look ahead, we see Jesus will ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. People will hail Him as King. Yet when they realize He isn’t the King they were looking for, the one they had hoped would free them from the Roman oppression, they turn on Him.

This parable, this story, was directed to the people of that day. The King was Jesus and He would go away for a time and return with His kingdom. But He also gave His servants each a certain amount of money to do business with while He was gone that would increase His kingdom. And they would have to give an account for what they did with that money.

What would have happened if they said they had accomplished nothing? There had to be something to show. There had to be progress. Even if all of the goals hadn’t been accomplished, there had to be evidence of at least trying.

But to do nothing… that was unacceptable.

And those that denied Him as King, they were executed immediately.

This isn’t a story just for the people in Jesus’ day. This is for you and for me.

We are the servants of Christ. We have each been given a gift to use for the betterment of the kingdom. Jesus has gone away but He will return soon. And we ALL will give an account for what we have done with His gift.

What will we have to show the King when He returns? What will we have to offer for the time He’s been away?

To do nothing is unacceptable.

If you’ve been saved by Jesus, if you’ve put your faith and trust in Him, you are His servant. It’s time to get to work. It’s time to build the kingdom of God!

If you deny Jesus as your King, your fate is sealed. Death awaits when He returns. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Hear His words, listen to His call to you, and surrender. Pray for His forgiveness. Submit your life to Him. He is the King.

And then… Do something.