1-29-21 Today in the Word

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | BEGIN WITH THE END When you’re enduring a long trip, it can help to keep your final destination in mind. Just the thought of a relaxing view or a delicious meal can help you endure the journey. As Jesus taught His disciples about the end times, He told them a parable. Three servants were entrusted to care for their master’s wealth while he was away. The word entrusted does not mean they should simply hold it and keep it safe. Rather, they were to manage their master’s wealth. They should help nurture it so it could grow. Jesus said that as soon as the master departed, two of the servants went right to work and invested their master’s wealth. Knowing he would be returning, they began with that end in mind. After he returned, they showed their master how they had multiplied his wealth. He was pleased and responded, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (vv. 21, 23). However, the remaining servant did nothing with his master’s wealth. He accused the master of being a cut-throat man and wanted to do nothing except keeping the treasure safe. Failing to utilize the opportunity given him, he earned a rebuke and was cast out of the inner circle. As you look at the year ahead, you will be given many opportunities. The question is, what are you going to do with what God gives you? How will you leverage each opportunity for His glory? At some point, Jesus will return. He will come back to settle accounts and to see what we did with all the opportunities we were given. Will you be ready? >> It helps to begin with our end destination in mind—our heavenly future! Ask yourself, how will living with eternity in mind change what I choose to spend time on today? How will it affect my life? What opportunities should I spend the most time on? PRAY WITH US Eternity is not an abstraction: it is a reality that will endure when our present life is no more. Father, let the promise of eternity with you guide our every decision.

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