Jesus tells the story (parable) about three managers who were given wealth to invest for their employer. Two wise managers increased their patron’s funds by 100 percent. (Matthew 25:14-25)

But one of the three managers believed that their patron was prone to exploitation ——–

·       To protect himself, the fearful manager buried the patron’s funds.

·       He worried that he would be accused of misusing the investment.

·       He assumed that his patron was ruthless, and IMPOSSIBLE to please.

The fear-ridden manager had no confidence in his patron’s integrity. He expected to be treated unfairly. He harbored a warped perception of his patron’s character — and his patron was incensed.

Here is a gem of truth often overlooked:

It was not the manager’s lack of innovation alone that disappointed his patron. It was the manager’s scandalous appraisal of his trustworthiness.

In this story, Jesus reveals what he thinks of a believer’s inaccurate view of His character.

The impact of God’s sadness — over our lack of confidence in his patience and unfailing love — is laid bare in the devastating exchange between the manager and the patron:

Manager: I knew that you are a hard man…and… I was AFRAID…

Patron: Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness…

God opens his heart to us here. Jesus reveals his disappointment when we believe that he will let us down. The parable of the talents reveals the force of God’s frustration when a believer (even subconsciously) fears that God is untrustworthy.

The essence of God’s nature shines from a letter (to you!) dictated by Jeremiah directly from God:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

If you are wringing your hands, in constant fear that God is dissatisfied with you, change your thinking! God will never revoke his promise to help you.

To betray you contradicts his very nature.

God takes pleasure in those who anticipate his validation and deliverance.

Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

RD