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!’
Matthew 25:21
It is my humble opinion that the primary point of studying Bible prophecy is not to be thoroughly knowledgeable of the End of the Age, though this knowledge is a good thing. The point is not to become preoccupied with it or build entire ministries and lifestyles around the possibility of prophecies being fulfilled in part or in full during our lifetime.
I have a good brother in the Lord who once told me that whenever God burdens us with a “Matthew 24 message” (Jesus talking about the End of the Age), our application is Matthew 25. So, what does this subsequent chapter share? Jesus spoke of three parables, which then give us three lessons to guide our lives in the light of future fulfillment of prophecies.
The first lesson is the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Half of the virgins were foolish and half were wise in their preparation and expectation of the bridegroom’s (Christ’s) delayed return. The moral of the story: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (verse 13). Live your life in a faithful manner, and ready for His return.
The second is the Parable of the Talents, a very popular lesson referred to often today about making the most of what God gives us to steward. Three men were given talents. The first received five talents, the second, two and the last, one. The five and two were doubled, while the one went unutilized. The moral of the story: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (verses 29-30). In other words, be good stewards with whatever talent God has given you.
The final parable is the Sheep and the Goats. The basis for God’s judgment will be how we treated His people, how we practically helped them in a time of need. The moral of the story: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (verse 40). One could argue Jesus is referring specifically to the Jews (since Matthew was writing to Jews) or generally to all believers.
It is my hope that you and I will live our lives ready for His Second Coming, using our talents for His glory, and helping people in need.