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19. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.Matthew 25:19. Jesus tells a story of a lord who, going on a long journey, gives his property to his servants to manage according to their abilities. The first received 5 talents, invested them, and earned 5 more. The second also doubled his 2 talents, earning 2 more. The third servant buried his talent, having no interest in making a profit for the lord because he would not benefit from it. The lord returned and praised the servants who prospered and rebuked the servant who did nothing. Jesus is teaching stewardship; we are entrusted with time, gifts, resources, and responsibilities to increase the kingdom of God. It is work that comes with risk, but God will not have workers for the kingdom without reward. But those who refuse will be held accountable for how they used their gifts and resources. In spiritual gifts, those who exercise their gift will receive more. Those who refuse will have what they were given taken away and given to someone who will use it. Jesus is reminding us how important it is to use what we have been given toward eternal things, for none of us will take anything from this earth. Amen.