As we continue to look at te kingdom of God parables, let us consider these three parables told by Jesus in Matthew focussing especially on the second one.  The first parable likens the kingdom to ten virgins, five of which were wise and five which were foolish.  The wise ones were ready to meet the master having oil in their lamps obeying God by being prepared to meet the bridegroom when he comes at an unsuspected time, while the others were not ready, being disobedient, not ready to greet him at the unexpected hour.  Only those who obeyed God by being ready entered the kingdom, those who ignored the word and didn't watch, were left outside.  The third parable likens the kingdom to people who obey God and show mercy to the poor entering the kingdom while those who do not show mercy  being thrown into everylasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  When you do it to one of the least of these my brethren you do it unto me and when you don't, you do it not unto me.

            The second parable is rather intriguing.  It begins with a merchant giving talents or money to three different people.  To one is given five talents, to another two talents, and to the third, one talent.  The one who was given five, traded, and gained five more.  To the one given two talents, traded, and gained two more.  But to the one given one talent, out of fear refused to trade and was cast into outer darkness.  This parable like the other two is more about obedience than financial skillfulness.  To every man according to his several ability indicates that what God requires of us is within our capacity to perform.  Just like the virgins and just like those who had to choose between compassion or selfishness, it was within the power of the one given only one talent to obey.  Secondly, it is through obedience that the kingdom of God grows, gaining fruit and multiplying the amount of those who gain heaven while disobedience thwarts the will of God and people who would be blessed are denied the kingdom.  Thirdly, in the kingdom of the world, servants who are commanded to obey their ruler remain subservient to their ruler all their lives, while in the kingdom of heaven, those who obey the rulership of Christ by obeying his word, are made rulers themselves, establishing a fundamental difference between the two kingdoms.        

            The conclusion remains the same.  Unless you put the word of God into practice regardless of how God leads you to obey, whether having oil in your lamps or showing compassion to the less fortunate or investing your talents in the kingdom, your future is very bleak and Jesus does not mince words here.  Either you obey the king of kings and lord of lords and enter the kingdom of heaven or disobey and be cast into outer darkness.  Jesus tells us the consequences of our obedience or disobedience, yet he refuses to force us to obey him.  The choice is left completely with us unlike the rulers of the world who force their servants to obey. 

            My sincere suggestion to you is obey.  He is not a king for nothing and the fate of disobedience is pure hell.

 amen