Equal Opportunity

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 19:1-27. It includes the story of Zacchaeus and the parable of the ten pounds (the ten minas). [A pound/mina was a measure of money worth about 100 denarii, which was about three months' wages]. This parable is different than the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25. There, each man was given talents in measure, ten, five and one respectively. That speaks of the variety of gifts and ministries given to believers. However, in this parable, the parable of the pounds, everyone is given the same amount, which speaks of equality of opportunity. In other words we all have the same amount of TIME. Each of us have 24 hours in a day. Also, we all can give to God the same amount, regardless of our income. In other words, we all tithe the same percentage--TEN PERCENT. And it also speaks of the GOSPEL. The Gospel? That's right. Sometimes we may be inclined to think that we can't witness because the message we have been given to share is a lot harder than the message others are given, but we all have been given precisely the same Gospel. We all have equal opportunity in these three areas. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." That means, 'watch your step. Make the most of every opportunity you have because these are desperate times!" So let's make the most of every chance we get to share the Gospel, to give back to God, and use our time wisely, investing in eternal things.