GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 4:25
Compound Interest
Anyone who has a savings account earning interest knows the power of compound interest. If the savings is drawing simple interest, the interest payment is based on the original principal only. However, if the investment is earning compound interest, the institution calculates the interest payment based on the principal plus the previous interest; it is compounded. Albert Einstein reportedly said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.” On another occasion, he reportedly said, “Compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe.”
When Jesus taught his disciples, he wasn’t referring to compound interest, but the principle is still in his words, “For whoever has, it will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Mark 4:25)
Because of the requirements for my college major, I spent two years in the master’s program studying the German language to pass a proficiency exam to be allowed to continue my studies. Many of my sources for early modern theology and philosophy were written by German scholars. Of course, most of these sources had been translated into English, but my professors thought I needed to cite the original sources to sound like an authority. I developed a reading proficiency—along with my handy German dictionary—and passed the exam. However, the focus of my study changed, and I was no longer reading German sources, so the proficiency I had developed in the language disappeared. Oh, I still remember some important words and phrases, but the reading ability disappeared—“Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
In his lesson, of course, Jesus referred to the Gospel. He who receives the Gospel will receive even more. However, he who rejects the Gospel will find that even the opportunity to accept it will be taken from him. The critic who scoffs at the believer provides confirmation of Jesus’ principle—the opportunity he had to receive the Gospel is taken from him.
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