Of Biblical "nobel Prizes"!!!

Of Biblical "Nobel Prizes"- Patent, Latent and Talent!!!

Hey, it was announced that an Indian American Economist namely Abhijit Banerjee would be conferred the Nobel Prize in the traditional function of awarding the Nobel Prizes on Dec 10th, 2019 (every year that is the date) along with his two co-researchers Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer "for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty"!!! Even as we Indians’ feel justifiably proud of the fact that an Indian has been chosen for this prestigious award, it is time to brace-up for some Quiz time folks regarding the “dubious” history of Nobel Prize!!! Who invented the dynamite? Do I hear the answer …Alfred Nobel! Yes, it is him alright. In fact in 1867, Nobel received U.S. patent number 78317 for his dynamic invention. That this explosive instead of being used peacefully for blasting the rocks during mining operations (as was originally nobly intended by Nobel) ending up as a destructive weapon used for destroying properties, limb and life was not this brilliant scientist’s fault at all. Yet all-too-surreal story behind the origin of Nobel prize would have us believe so!!! BOOM…in 1888, Alfred had a dubious distinction of reading his own unflattering obituary!!! When Alfred's brother Ludvig died, a French newspaper mistakenly ran an obituary for Alfred which called him the "merchant of death" and it went on to say, "Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.” This horrified Alfred. Not wanting to go down in history with such a horrible epitaph, Nobel created a will that soon shocked his relatives and led to establishment of the now famous Nobel Norwegian Committee which awards Nobel Prize “to all during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." There is no shadow of doubt in saying that Alfred Nobel continues to “live nobly even after his death” by paving the way for a system that recognizes and rewards the “noble deeds of his fellowmen”.

So coming to the spiritual realm (it is high time, some readers might be saying…sic), is there a Biblical account of the good Lord also recognizing and rewarding the faithful servants of His? Welcome to the parable of talents. Welcome once again to that parable latent with lessons waiting to “explode” (Matt 25:14-31 /Luke 19:11-26). Though the central message of the said parable is similar in both the Gospels, one would observe some subtle differences’ in the Gospel accounts. It needs to be noted here that the one recorded in Matthew’s Gospel was narrated in Jerusalem, while the one in Luke’s Gospel was related by the Saviour on the way to Jerusalem.

Since, we started off with the Nobel story, Yours Truly is inspired to use the first two letters “NO” of that famed chemist’s name in each of the lessons, he has derived from this “Explosive” parable. Didn’t somebody say, you have to blast before building!!! So here goes…

“NO” EXCEPTION…

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. -Matt 25:14-15 (NIV)

Firstly, this parable blasts the myth that there are some Christians with no talents. Scripture is explicit about the fact, that none was left without a talent. Let’s also at this time, blast yet another myth that “talents” comprise only those of preaching, singing and the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit ( I Cor 12:7-11-ESV) which are guaranteed to bring one under public spotlight.

In case, you are the ONE who participates actively in either one or all of the three “silent, behind the scenes” ministries given below

a) the intercession prayer ministry (even Apostle Paul pleaded for intercessory prayers – Romans 15:30),

b) b) that of encouragement (Romans 12:8-ERV/I Thess 5:11/ 2 Tim 1:16-18/ Heb 13:3) and

c) hospitality (Heb 13:2)

take heart, you are lining up for yourself some very precious heavenly rewards. These ministries may not bring any public approbation but be encouraged to continue “investing these talents” for His glory faithfully, for the Master shall return soon with the rewards (Rev 22:12).

“NO” DELAY…

The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more- Matt 25:16 (NIV)

Not for the most faithful servant, any procrastination. Put simply, secret behind his success was his explosive start off the blocks. Taking the Master’s assignment seriously, he went about in right earnest straightaway.

Say Christian, is the indwelling Holy Spirit prompting you to send a mail of encouragent to someone, or is He asking asking you to pray for someone or for that matter, He may inspiring you to share your Gospel-based testimony with a friend or colleague of yours. Do not delay. Jump at it with the speed of a Bolt…