The word "crash" conjures up all sorts of negative feelings. In fact, can you think of a positive picture when you think of the word? You might be remembering right now a recent, or not too recent car accident. (Probably one your spouse had, certainly not you!) Computers and the word just don't mix; and it can almost put me into orbit when I think of my most recent computer "crash." None of us like that ominous blue screen with the words Fatal Error emblazoned in white on it. I remember that after exams, or an all-night writing frenzy the word "crash" would describe my state of mind, body and soul. But, "crash" has a very positive meaning when we consider one of Jesus' teaching times found in Matthew 25:14-30. Let me explain first with a look at the parable itself...
In this parable Jesus was teaching about what is given to each person and what that person does with what he has. The first servant invests what had been given to him and his investment pays off double! The second servant does the same with the same result. The third servant adopts a dog mentality and buries what he received; the result of this action is no return--but he still had what the master gave him--at least he didn't loose it. The master returns and blesses the first two and curses the third. So, what's the point? I'm glad you asked. Here it is...
Why do you think the master rewarded the two and condemned the one? There are two possibilities: (1) reward comes to those who are faithful and punishment to those who are lazy or (2) those who take risk with what they are given are rewarded, but those who play it safe are condemned. I like the second choice and here's why...
In biblical times it was a normal and acceptable practice for people to take their valuables and bury them in the ground. (Remember Achan?) This would be equivalent to putting my money in a bank with a guaranteed interest rate--not a bad idea. This was the safe thing to do. What took risk was taking a chance with the money by investing it in something you believed in but were not able to prove to others it was the best. Now, don't read into this that I am encouraging gambling--I wouldn't, neither do I think this passage is teaching us a gambling strategy. Let me clarify...
So many times I have taken the safe route with my life. (You too?) Now that I truly understand what Jesus is teaching I have to come to the conclusion that it is an insult to Christ, just like it was an insult to the master, to play it safe with what He has given me. He wants me to take chances with the gifts He has given me. I need to "CRASH"! Now to the rhinos...
Did you know that a small herd of rhinoceroses is often referred to as a "crash of rhinos"? The reason for this is that these huge animals are very timid and nearsighted. When something or somebody startles them they just start running in any direction and through anything! They "CRASH."
So, let me encourage you to "crash." A life taking risks is a life that honors Christ. What does God want you to do with what He has given you? What risks are you willing to take? We may not know what lies around the bend; we don't know and are not promised that life is full of roses (only surprises). But, I believe it is time for the Church of Jesus Christ to make a radical commitment to a life of faith that sometimes involves a grab-the-safety-bar-white-knuckled ride. When we live like that then one day we will hear, "You did good son, come on in!" (My paraphrase.) Let's "CRASH"!
In this parable Jesus was teaching about what is given to each person and what that person does with what he has. The first servant invests what had been given to him and his investment pays off double! The second servant does the same with the same result. The third servant adopts a dog mentality and buries what he received; the result of this action is no return--but he still had what the master gave him--at least he didn't loose it. The master returns and blesses the first two and curses the third. So, what's the point? I'm glad you asked. Here it is...
Why do you think the master rewarded the two and condemned the one? There are two possibilities: (1) reward comes to those who are faithful and punishment to those who are lazy or (2) those who take risk with what they are given are rewarded, but those who play it safe are condemned. I like the second choice and here's why...
In biblical times it was a normal and acceptable practice for people to take their valuables and bury them in the ground. (Remember Achan?) This would be equivalent to putting my money in a bank with a guaranteed interest rate--not a bad idea. This was the safe thing to do. What took risk was taking a chance with the money by investing it in something you believed in but were not able to prove to others it was the best. Now, don't read into this that I am encouraging gambling--I wouldn't, neither do I think this passage is teaching us a gambling strategy. Let me clarify...
So many times I have taken the safe route with my life. (You too?) Now that I truly understand what Jesus is teaching I have to come to the conclusion that it is an insult to Christ, just like it was an insult to the master, to play it safe with what He has given me. He wants me to take chances with the gifts He has given me. I need to "CRASH"! Now to the rhinos...
Did you know that a small herd of rhinoceroses is often referred to as a "crash of rhinos"? The reason for this is that these huge animals are very timid and nearsighted. When something or somebody startles them they just start running in any direction and through anything! They "CRASH."
So, let me encourage you to "crash." A life taking risks is a life that honors Christ. What does God want you to do with what He has given you? What risks are you willing to take? We may not know what lies around the bend; we don't know and are not promised that life is full of roses (only surprises). But, I believe it is time for the Church of Jesus Christ to make a radical commitment to a life of faith that sometimes involves a grab-the-safety-bar-white-knuckled ride. When we live like that then one day we will hear, "You did good son, come on in!" (My paraphrase.) Let's "CRASH"!
