2025 Lent Devotional – Day 34

Lent Devotional: Day 34
God Honors His Faithful Ministers
Rev. Dr. Samuel Richmond

Bible Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
Theme Verse: 21 “His master replied, ‘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!’”

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is often understood as a lesson in stewardship, but it also calls us to faithfulness in our walk with God. As we journey through Lent—a season of repentance, renewal, and deeper commitment to God—this passage challenges us to examine our own faithfulness. Jesus calls us not to fear failure but to trust in Him and act boldly in obedience. Like the faithful servants who multiplied their master’s gifts, we are invited to invest our lives in what truly matters—bringing glory to God.

Matthew 25:19 reminds us that there will be a day of reckoning. Just as financial accounts are audited, God evaluates our faithfulness. The first two servants invested their talents and were rewarded, while the third buried his out of fear, committing the sin of inaction. In the Lenten season, we must reflect: Are we faithfully serving God, or are we holding back? The Bible warns against spiritual complacency: Matthew 5:14-16 calls us to be the light of the world. A vision for God’s kingdom is essential (Proverbs 29:18). Just as great institutions plan for the future, we too must live with purpose. Whether our Christian journey is seen as a pilgrimage, a battle, or a race (Philippians 1:6), we must press forward in faith. Fear paralyzes, but faith moves us forward.

The reward of fruitful work is more work. Matthew 25:21, 23 reveals that those who are faithful with little will be entrusted with more. The two faithful servants received the same commendation—not because of how much they received but because of how well they used it. They began as servants but were promoted to rulers, sharing in their master’s joy. If we steward well, He will entrust us with greater responsibility. This principle is evident in Scripture:

• Joseph managed Potiphar’s house and became Egypt’s Prime Minister.
• David shepherded his father’s flock and was anointed King of Israel.
• Esther, a faithful orphan, became a queen who saved her people.
• Daniel remained pure and was appointed as a governor.
• Peter, a humble fisherman, became a pillar of the early Church.

Lent is a time to ask ourselves: Are we being faithful with what God has given us?

More than just being given more work, the faithful servants were invited into the joy of their master. This echoes the ultimate Lenten hope—dwelling in God’s presence through Christ’s sacrifice. Sadhu Sundar Singh once illustrated this truth when a king invited him to his palace, saying, “You must be happy in the presence of the king.” He humbly replied, “Your Majesty, I live and move in the presence of the King of kings.” As Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, we serve not for earthly rewards but for an eternal inheritance. This Lenten season, let us renew our faithfulness, invest in God’s kingdom, and press forward in obedience. Our true reward is not just greater responsibility—but deeper joy in the presence of Christ.

Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of all You have given me. Remove fear, strengthen my heart, and guide my steps to serve You with joy. May I hear Your voice say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.