Luke 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
The setting of this picture is remarkable. Our Lord is standing with the Jews around Him, in the shadows of a palace built by a nobleman, Archelaus, who had gone to Rome and received the kingdom from Caesar. Our Lord is the Nobleman whose face was turned toward the land beyond the skies where He has gone and from whence He will one day return. "Occupy till I come" is His message. He has entrusted to us, as His servants, the most valuable treasure in Heaven, --- time, opportunity, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a great world in which to transact the greatest of all business! Precious privileges are ours and a solemn accounting must be given.
Lord, give us keenness of vision to see, and wisdom to utilize our opportunities in the investment of our lives for Thee. Amen.