“Art thou come to take a spoil…to carry away silver and gold…?” (Ezk. 38:13) Why would a resource-rich Russia invade the Middle East for material goods? Because the economy is in ruins. The fact has been openly admitted by Russia itself. Another sign of the times becomes clear.
World events are moving with such startling speed that we anticipate the return of Christ any day. On one hand, the prospect fills us with overwhelming joy that the kingdom is at hand and this time of probation is nearly over. On the other hand, we inwardly tremble at our coming appearance before the judgment seat of Christ. How will the decision come down?
We may feel that we’re alright. We have the Truth; we are committing no great sins — no extortion, no adultery, no murder, no blasphemy; we attend meeting and Bible class; we are as good as most brethren and sisters. If anybody is going to be saved from this generation upon earth, surely we will be in that number!
There is no doubt we have the treasure, but are we using it profitably or have we buried it? Are we producing fruit or are we barren? We have talents; are we using them for Christ? It will not be good enough to present our attendance record or proof that we have believed the Truth. We will need to present a profit on what we have been given.
Buried treasure, barren branches
The Lord’s message could not be clearer. Every servant was given at least one talent. They were all servants, but only those who multiplied their talents were adjudged faithful. The servant who returned no profit was termed “wicked and slothful.” (Mt. 25:20-30) We have talent -musical ability, aptitude to teach children, to talk to unbelievers, to expound the word, to counsel one another, opportunity to visit the sick, to extend hospitality. None of us have all the talents but we have some. Are they returning a profit to our Lord?
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away…” (John 15:2) “He that received seed into the good ground is he…which also beareth fruit…” (Matt 13:23) The figure is different but the lesson is the same. Are we bearing fruit or aren’t we? Is anything growing as a result of our having the Truth?
Are we teaching the word to friends, children and young people, helping the ecclesia to grow in numbers? Are we supplying sound exhortation, assisting others to grow in courage and determination? Are we expounding the word so that there is increasing joy in the richness of God’s grace, the wonder of His plan and the beauty of His commands? Is the faith of others growing because of our endurance of trial? Is love abounding because of our kindly spirit and gentle manner? Is praise and thanksgiving growing in our hearts and on our lips as we meditate on His precepts? Is the fruit of brotherly love being produced as we visit those in need and contribute to the welfare of the saints? Is holiness increasing in the ecclesia through our determination to reject the world and all the trash it offers?
The judge standeth at the door and is ready to knock. We can’t do it all, but is there any gain for the Lord? How will the judgment come down for us? We make the answer now!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One