Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for February 7

“‘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!” (Matthew 25:23 NLT)

From: February 7, 2014

This is from the Parable of the Talents. Matthew’s gospel has this parable arranged in alignment with Jesus’ discussion of end times in chapter 24 and nested between His Parable of the Ten Virgins and His discussion of the judgment of the sheep and goats. Its placement and the parable itself point to the idea that Jesus will return and expect an accounting of our stewardship. God has entrusted certain gifts and abilities to each of us that are to be invested and used. He cares about our work. He wants us to be busy using what He has entrusted to us. How we manage our 3 Ts (Time, Talent, and Treasure) matter to God.

“You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn. In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel” (Exodus 27:20 ESV)

From: February 7, 2013

This oil was used to keep the 7 light, golden candle stand ever-burning in front of the table with the 12 loaves of bread (testimony). An Aaronic priest had to work the night-shift to keep it burning. Jesus is the fulfillment of this temple worship. He is both Light of the World and Bread of Life. And we are to keep the light shining on His Testimony in a dark world.

“Set up this Tabernacle according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain” (Exodus 26:30)

From: February 7, 2012

The Tabernacle was to be set up God’s way. The Church should be too. God has a pattern for it revealed in His Word. So, keep your lampstand filled with oil and burning bright, spotlighting the Bread of Life whose Church it is. And stay ready, unlike the bridesmaids in Matt.25.

“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21)

From: February 7, 2011

First, do the little things. Then, let God promote you to greater responsibility. If you’re unfaithful with little, having more won’t help.