October 21

October 21

Jesus' Stories about Riches & Wisdom -- The unjust steward, the rich man, & Lazarus.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Luke 16

Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Reading 3: Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Jesus has a surprising amount to say about money, for a man who likely never had any income and certainly had no savings.

But unlike an impoverished person today, Jesus is not obsessed with money. It's as though He understands that money is an idol for so many of us, obstructing our view of God and our path to salvation.

Jews had known from the earliest decades of their nation that God was on the side of the poor (and that they should join Him in caring for those who had less). But by the time of Jesus the powerful were the rich, and they had all kinds of schemes to hold on to their money rather than share it with those in need. Does that sound like today? Then maybe what Jesus says in that setting applies to you and me too?!

Don't allow money (or the lack of it) to takes your eyes away from Jesus. Focus wholeheartedly on Him, and all other needs will step into their rightful places.

Have a great day!

Mark.