God's Business Plan-A New Year's Resolution
We come to the parable of the “Ten minas.”
Consider this part one.
While Jesus ministered on earth the “mina” was a unit of money. One mina was equal to 100 drachmas. (FYI-in 2002 the drachma was converted to the Euro.”) In those days 1 mina was equal to 3 months’ salary.
In the parable of the ten minas Jesus speaks of a nobleman and 10 of his servants. Here is the first section of the parable:
“As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.” Luke 19:11-15
What does Jesus mean by this parable?
First, remember parables are short stories with a lesson. Jesus used them often to teach. Every parable of Jesus is for you and me regardless of the fact that the parables of Jesus were given multiple centuries ago. Time is a human concept…the Bible reminds us:
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8
As we reflect on the words of Jesus in this parable-be reminded-they are fresh for us today as they were when Jesus first spoke them.
We know the characters in this parable are the nobleman and 10 of his servants. The represent real people. Who are they? You and I are the servants. The 10 minas? They are the resources, talents and opportunities that God gives to everyone. Because they were nearing Jerusalem, the disciples thought Jesus would take over the rule of Israel from the Romans. But this parable has a much greater application than regional politics.
Jesus teaches us in this parable that while we live our lives on this earth God has a purpose for each of us. Call it God’s Business Plan if it helps. God gives us resources, talents and opportunities each day of our lives. He instructs us to ‘Engage in business ‘until I come.’
In God’s Business Plan there are two foundational facts:
One-Jesus is returning to earth. Don’t ask when-that’s for Jesus to know-not you or me.
Two-God commands you and I to “engage in His business until Jesus comes again. God has given us “Minas” to do His work. (Resources, talents and opportunities.)
We come to the last question-What is God’s business plan?
There are two key parts:
Love God.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Everything we do should be designed to include these two…our work, our recreation…our daily life.
Now the good news!
God does not leave us to do His “Business Plan” on our own. If you give it thought, it quickly becomes clear that we can do neither of these of our strength or ability. He is with us in all of life. With infinite love He strengthens, guides, and leads us. It is His will that we are successful in “engaging in His business.”