Day 20
Jesus’
Message: resources
Read: Luke 12:13-34
Another theme in Jesus’ message
concerns our use of resources . . . or the common theological term
“stewardship.” Today’s reading in the
accounts of Jesus is a teaching in “three cameos.”
The
teachings are as relevant today as when Jesus gave them, like then they are
still “part of the Gospel of the Kingdom.” Many in Jesus’ audience was poor
then, still so today. Even the “poverty of the West” is comparative wealth for
2/3 of our planet.
The
first teaching (12:13-21) does not condemn the man for having a good
season or for building barns, but his attitude
to what he had. He saw it as his, for his own use, and had no
concern for anyone else.
The
second teaching (12:22-31) is a call to be secure in God and His provision. Worry casts doubt on God’s care and shows
our lack of faith. Our key focus is not
to be on our possessions, but on God’s Kingdom.
The
third (12:32-34) teaches us to give
generously to the poor. If we
view all resources as God’s, not worrying about material things but are secure
in God’s care, then it follows that we can freely give to those in need.
Darrell
L. Bock puts the challenge;
- “How
we use our resources communicates our values. If we invest in earthly possessions we
show we care about such things. If
we invest and care for people, we radiate our love for others. God’s kingdom is about people.”
Ponder
Point (reflect)
- All
resources are God’s; He is the owner, we are His stewards
Consider
(respond)
- Which
teaching (1, 2 or 3) speaks the loudest to me?
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