Accounting for Our Lives: 15 November, 2020

This morning’s scripture readings are about accountability for our actions and accountability for the gifts we have received, corporately as well as individually. The Bible makes clear over and over that there will be a day of reckoning, of judgment. There will be a final audit. –– James Gaughan

Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents is about accountability. . . Just as the expectation and anticipation of the final Parousia appears in the previous parable, this parable also portrays our reckoning with the Parousia and our accounting for our lives before our good and gracious Judge. But just as the previous parable brings the final Day to the everyday, so, too, the parable of the talents brings the final Day of accounting. . . –– Neal D. Presa

Just prior to this parable, Jesus says, “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (of the Lord’s departure and his return) (25:13). The question answered by this parable seems to be, “What to do while the Lord is gone and while the disciples wait for his return?” The listener is to take what has been given and use it for the master. The one who takes what has been entrusted to him and hides it for safekeeping is chastised for being a hoarder and a non–risk-taker. . .

While this parable might be addressing the money issue (after all, a talent was a measurement of money), it could very well be addressing all that has been given, including the good news of Jesus Christ. –– Eric T. Myers

Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18

Negative consequences are not punishments arbitrarily imposed by God on individuals and societies who steadfastly refuse to live in peace, in harmony, and in love with other individuals and societies. Rather, they are the built-in traps into which they who choose to live in darkness fall. . . .

As symbols of accountability, heaven and hell are of our own making, and they begin in this life. There is no reprieve from accountability. Heaven is the life that loving people of faith live. Hell is the life of suspicious, paranoid people who trust and love no one, not even God. Life for people so turned in on themselves is hell.

All by itself, this judgment is devastating. We know from experience that if left to our own devices, we inevitably choose hell, especially the hell that disguises itself as heaven. Left to our own devices, we as individuals and we as a nation inevitably travel the path of destructiveness rather than of creation, even though it is creativity we seek. . . –– James Gaughan

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

This section ends with Paul assuring [the Thessalonians] that the coming of the Lord is good news, for salvation comes through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the meantime, what do they do as they await the coming of the Lord? Paul urges them to continue doing what they are doing—keeping watch, being ready, encouraging and upbuilding each other in the name of the Lord. –– Eric T. Myers

Neal D. Presa, pastor of the Village Presbyterian Church, Rancho Santa Fe, California, and adjunct professor of worship at Fuller Theological Seminary, was the Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).

James Gaughan is a retired UMC pastor in Minnesota.

Eric T. Myers, a former church musician, is pastor of Frederick Presbyterian Church in Frederick, Maryland, and adjunct professor of worship at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Homily Service 41, no. 4 (2008): 130-138.