Eric Otchere I http://www.livingourbible.com I Thursday 19th February 2026
Introduction
In Part 1, we examined the twin Kingdom principles of possession and production, discovering that what God gives to us is not meant to be admired but multiplied. However, the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30 does not conclude with trading and increase. It moves toward a decisive and unavoidable moment—the return of the Master. This second part focuses on two sobering yet hope-filled realities: accountability and reward.
The Scripture says, “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them” (Matthew 25:19). That phrase, “after a long time,” is both comforting and cautionary. It reminds us that God is patient, but it also assures us that delay does not mean denial. The Master’s return may seem distant, but it is certain. In the same way, Christ’s return is not a myth or metaphor; it is a promised reality. Acts 1:11 affirms that the same Jesus who ascended will come again.
Accountability — Stewardship Will Be Reviewed
When the Master returned, he did not ask how difficult the economy had been, how competitive the environment was, or how others had performed. He settled accounts individually. Each servant came forward personally. This reveals a profound Kingdom truth: stewardship is personal, and accountability is unavoidable.
The servant who had received five talents presented five more. The servant who had received two presented two more. The servant who had received one presented only what he had originally been given. The issue was not the size of the allocation; it was the level of faithfulness. God does not compare us to others; He compares our performance to our potential and our faithfulness to our assignment.
Second Corinthians 5:10 declares that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. For believers, this is not a judgment of condemnation, because Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Rather, it is a review of stewardship. It is an evaluation of how we handled what was entrusted to us—our time, our influence, our gifts, our resources, and our opportunities.
The third servant reveals another critical lesson. He blamed his master, describing him as hard and demanding. His perception shaped his behavior. Fear caused paralysis. Instead of producing, he preserved. Instead of multiplying, he buried. His inactivity was labeled wickedness and laziness, not because he committed gross immorality, but because he refused to engage his responsibility. Fear and excuses never produce increase in the Kingdom.
Reward — Faithfulness Leads to Promotion and Joy
To the faithful servants, the Master spoke words every believer longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Those words contain affirmation, promotion, and joy.
Affirmation comes first. Heaven notices faithfulness. God sees what others overlook. Quiet obedience and consistent diligence are never wasted in the Kingdom.
Promotion follows affirmation. “You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” In God’s system, small responsibilities are preparation for larger assignments. Luke 16:10 teaches that whoever is faithful in little will also be faithful in much. Increase flows toward proven stewardship.
Finally, there is joy. “Enter into the joy of your lord.” The ultimate reward is not merely position or authority; it is participation in the Master’s joy. True fulfillment comes not from what we accumulate, but from hearing His approval.
The unfaithful servant, however, experienced loss. His talent was taken and given to the one who had ten. This reinforces the overarching principle of the parable: increase gravitates toward productivity. What is unused eventually diminishes. What is faithfully deployed multiplies.
Conclusion — Preparing for the Master’s Return
The Parable of the Talents presents a complete Kingdom cycle. God gives according to His wisdom. We steward according to our faithfulness. He returns to review our stewardship. He rewards according to our diligence.
Possession is grace.
Production is responsibility.
Accountability is inevitable.
Reward is proportional to faithfulness.
The question is not whether the Master will return. The question is what we will present when He asks for an account. When that day comes, may we not offer excuses or preserved potential, but multiplied impact and faithful stewardship.
More will be given, not merely to those who received, but to those who produced and remained faithful until the end.
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