ESOCS Devotional 12 January 2026 -Diligence and Faithfulness
MEMORY VERSE: “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!’” Matthew 25:21 NIV
TEXT: MATTHEW 25:14-30
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
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This promise comes after a vivid description of God making “all things new” (Rev. 21:5). It acknowledges the very real pain and loss experienced in this life – mourning, crying, and physical suffering. Yet God’s heart is deeply compassionate. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He is not distant from our grief but intimately Faithfulness means being trustworthy and consistent in our duties, even when no one is watching. In Luke 16:10, Jesus teaches, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Our daily acts of obedience, prayer, kindness, and stewardship are the foundation of our spiritual growth and God’s kingdom work. The servant in the parable was diligent in investing and multiplying what was given. Similarly, God calls us to use our time, talents, and resources wisely. Colossians 3:23 encourages us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Our diligence honours God and demonstrates our love for Him.
The master’s words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” are the ultimate commendation. This shows that God notices and rewards faithfulness. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus promises, “I am coming soon! My reward is with me.” Our diligence is never in vain. Faithfulness also brings joy: “Come and share your master’s happiness.” God delights in those who faithfully serve Him, and He invites them into intimate fellowship and greater responsibility in His kingdom.
Many feel their work or gifts are too small to matter. But the parable teaches that what matters is our attitude and faithfulness in small tasks. The faithful servant was rewarded for multiplying a few talents, not necessarily huge sums. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” God entrusts each of us differently; but all are called to be diligent and trustworthy.
Reflections
- In what areas of your life is God calling you to greater diligence?
- How do you respond to tasks that feel small or insignificant?
- What motivates you to remain faithful even when results are not immediately visible?
Prayer
- Lord, help me to be faithful and diligent in all that you have entrusted to me. Teach me to honour you by doing my best in every task, big or small. May I hear your words, “Well done,” and share in your joy. Strengthen me to serve wholeheartedly, trusting in your reward. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 14:1-23; Zechariah 9:1–11; Revelation 21:22-End
ESOCS Devotional 12 January 2026
