Reaching Higher: A Series on My Journey of
Discipleship
Matthew 25:14-30
(Use
the link below to read the verses.)
[Preface: This series is autobiographical
to the extent that it is loosely based on my spiritual journey. In some ways,
you could compare it to the stock market with a gradual overall increase, but
many ups and downs; even a crash or two. Through it all though, the Lord has
loved me and been with me the whole time. I hope you find my journey
encouraging, but also, that the Lord might speak to you through it.]
“Now you’re
cooking with gas”.
That’s what my Dad
used to say to me when he helped me with a homework problem. Normally it was
math or science. But instead of just giving me the answer, like I wanted, he
would make me work through it and figure it out for myself. And when I did, he
would say, “Now you’re cooking with gas”.
I had no idea
where that saying originated; but for me, when my Dad said it, I knew he was
praising me for the work I had done. “Now you’re cooking with gas”.
Those five,
otherwise meaningless words, carried the emotional impact of making me feel
worthwhile; capable of doing anything; of overcoming great odds. Those five
words answered the question that every child has: “Do you think I can do it
Dad?” And his answer to me was a resounding, “YES!”
Jesus was known
for telling stories to teach a lesson. They’re called parables. In Matthew 25,
there’s a story that focuses on a master who gives three of his servants bags
of gold to invest while he’s away on a journey.
The amount of gold
they were given was based on their ability. One was given five bags; another
two; and the third one. The first two invested their master’s gold and doubled
his money; but the third buried it. The first two were praised. “Well done, my good and faithful servant”,
he told them.
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!’ NIV
The master told
his servants, “Well done”. My Dad told me, “Now you’re cooking with gas”. Both were
saying, “YES, you can do it. I believe in you”.
There can be no
greater feeling than hearing your Heavenly Father say to you at the end of your
life, “Well done, my son; my daughter.
Well done”.
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