|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus stood at the tomb of his friend and cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” I praise you today as the God who can raise the dead. I have been buried with your Son by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by your glory, so I too might be raised to newness of life (Rom 6:4). It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me! (Gal 2:20). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me two of Jesus’ parables about money. The parable of the dishonest manager teaches me several important lessons: 1) A final reckoning is coming, and I must act now in order to be prepared; 2) My money can be used to bring others into the Kingdom (e.g., tithing, giving to missions, supporting those who labor for the Kingdom, being hospitable, etc.; Gal 6:6; 3 John 1:8). These brothers and sisters will then encourage and support me as I follow Christ, and at the judgment, they will bear witness that I used my money wisely; 3) Only those who show themselves trustworthy with very little (earthly riches which are passing away) will be trusted with much (eternal riches); 4) Serving you means using my money to advance the Kingdom, while serving money means hoarding my wealth and spending it on myself. The Pharisees, who loved money, scoffed when they heard what Jesus said. He rebuked them for their hypocrisy and told them the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. This parable teaches me that: a) those who are wealthy are not necessarily right with you. Indeed, the poor are more likely to be righteous, for it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom; b) there is a real place of torment that awaits the wicked. It is full of fire, thirst, and darkness, and those trapped within gnash their teeth in an anguish of memory and regret; c) there is a real place of peace that awaits the righteous. It is full of comfort, joy, and good things, and those who rest there are filled with happiness and delight; d) the key to convincing the ungodly to repent is found in the simple truth of your Word, not in some supernatural event or spectacular sign (Luke 16:30). People reject you, not because they can’t see the light, but because the light reveals the ugliness of their sin. Reflection Jesus’ comments to his disciples in Luke 17:1–10 are convicting. Am I being careful not to be a stumbling block to my fellow believers? Do I love my brother enough to confront him when he sins? Do I freely forgive others, realizing how much you have forgiven me? Am I preoccupied with the “quantity” of my faith when I should be focused on its “quality”? Am I more concerned with getting recognition for my work than about being faithful to follow your commands? Request Father, you said the “love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Help me to be content with what I have and use what you have given me to win the lost for you. May I always be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share (1 Tim 6:18). Thanksgiving Thank you for giving me true riches in Jesus Christ. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to me (Rom 8:18). Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Shall Not Die” — Ulysses Phillips. Meditation Verse: John 11:25. |