LUKE 16

Jesus, again teaching disciples, reaches out through parables. Often such stories make concepts much easier to grasp, or easier to “agree with”, simply by virtue of telling a story most can relate to. Jesus could have hammered home theology, and possibly interested few. Rather, His teaching is theology-rich, with illustrative points that hit close to home. The Pharisees (lovers of money) are listening, and I am reminded here of 1 Timothy 6:10, where we are told that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Money is not bad, just the love of it.

When you read through the parable of the unrighteous steward, we see him as dishonest, and only interested in himself, self-serving, as it were. Yet the master in the end commends him. The commendation is not for being selfish, but rather for finally realizing that the master meant business, and for changing his preparation beyond just “today”. The urging for the Christian here is not a lesson in dishonesty. No, instead, the point is for us to act shrewdly in how we use what this world has to offer, and how we focus on the furtherance of the kingdom to come.

If we can keep wealth and possessions in proper perspective, we will not let those “things” hinder us from knowing God. Possessions will not bring about God’s mercy and grace. Mercy and grace may result in us having some comforts here, but those are never guaranteed. The comfort of the kingdom to come is, however.

It is hard to think of God trusting me, yet Jesus teaches that He does so, that is as long as I am trusting Him as opposed to trusting worldly wealth for my peace. He trusts me with the gospel message. He trusts me with a family to raise for His glory, and on it goes. And He expects me to trust fully in Him to carry out the work He has for me.

When Jesus here talks about “property of others” and “property of your own”, the “of your own” refers to heavenly reward. What we will experience eternally is all that we can truly call our own. My car is my own, but it will stay here after I am gone. What little or great amount of money I have will not go with me. OK, maybe my kids will get what little might be left, but it still stays here, as they, too, can do nothing with it for eternity.

We CANNOT serve God and money. We like to think that we can, though. Jesus here and in other places teaches that it is not possible. We keep trying from time to time, but it comes down to a choice. When we have the choice between God and money as our master, we WILL choose one.

In light of the opposition to the gospel, it takes a forceful decision to enter the kingdom. True repentance and salvation is a decisive point in life. We do it on purpose, and hopefully endeavor to maintain a strong Christian walk.

Verse 17 points out a great truth. It will be easier for all the heavens and earth to pass away than for God’s Word not to be fulfilled. God’s Word is forever, eternal. So I suppose we should pay attention to that Word.

Jesus throws in a teaching statement on divorce, and without delving too deeply into the topic, let me sum it up with this. Divorce always reveals a failure of God’s intended purpose. Marriage is a divinely-appointed institution, intended to show people the way to Him, and we have a responsibility to carry it out with Him in mind and as the focus.

The point of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is this (I may expound on a few points later): Even the miraculous will not convince the unrepentant of the need for salvation. We make a decision for Heaven or Hell here and now. Later is too late. And a life spent here chasing wealth and forgetting God is only beneficial here, very short-term.

SO WHAT...?

So, do I make the best use of all God has given to me, for the purpose of leading people to Him?

So, am I able to see when I am serving money rather than God? Am I willing to change those priorities?

So, am I able to say that God can trust me? First, do I really place my trust in Him each and every day, and in all kinds of situations?