Good afternoon friends,
Jesus talks about being the vine and we disciples as the branches. While it sounds harsh to think about not being able to do anything cut off from him, if we look at it a different way we see something else. What if we remember that God is love? Isn't a big part of our society's problem that we try to do so much cut off from love? We can produce lots of things that way, but in terms of lives that really matter; many of us are withering because we're cut off from love. What if instead of focusing on accumulating wealth we focus on nurturing our connections to God, to love and to one another?
God bless,
Sam
John 15:1-8
”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.
5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
when clean teath isn't a good thing
Good afternoon friends,
In today's reading Amos attacks the people of Israel for having a mismatch between their worship and their lives. When he talks about tithes and offerings, he suggests that people value their worship highly, but for selfish reasons. The truth is, if our faith and worship don't change our lives to lead us to treat our neighbors with justice, we aren't doing it right.
He also shows God using suffering to call the people back to God. Suffering is a challenge for our faith. The classic question is: "If God is all powerful and loving, why is there so much suffering?" I don't have an answer for that question, but we are going to spend the next several weeks in worship exploring faith and suffering. If suffering is a challenge for your faith, I'd encourage you to be in worship for the series. Since many people have questions about suffering, it would be a great series to invite a friend to. I can't promise answers, but I can promise thoughtful, biblical, honest engagement.
God bless,
Sam
In today's reading Amos attacks the people of Israel for having a mismatch between their worship and their lives. When he talks about tithes and offerings, he suggests that people value their worship highly, but for selfish reasons. The truth is, if our faith and worship don't change our lives to lead us to treat our neighbors with justice, we aren't doing it right.
He also shows God using suffering to call the people back to God. Suffering is a challenge for our faith. The classic question is: "If God is all powerful and loving, why is there so much suffering?" I don't have an answer for that question, but we are going to spend the next several weeks in worship exploring faith and suffering. If suffering is a challenge for your faith, I'd encourage you to be in worship for the series. Since many people have questions about suffering, it would be a great series to invite a friend to. I can't promise answers, but I can promise thoughtful, biblical, honest engagement.
God bless,
Sam
Amos
4:1-13
Hear this
word, you cows of Bashan who are on Mount Samaria, who oppress the poor, who
crush the needy, who say to their husbands, “Bring something to drink!” 2The
Lord God has sworn by his holiness: The time is surely
coming upon you, when they shall take you away with hooks, even the last of you
with fishhooks. 3Through breaches in the wall you shall leave, each
one straight ahead; and you shall be flung out into Harmon, says the Lord. 4Come to Bethel—and transgress; to Gilgal—and
multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every
three days; 5bring a thank-offering of leavened bread, and proclaim
freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!
says the Lord God.
6I gave you
cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places,
yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. 7And
I also withheld the rain from you when there were still three months to the
harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one
field would be rained upon, and the field on which it did not rain withered; 8so
two or three towns wandered to one town to drink water, and were not satisfied;
yet you did not return to me, says the Lord. 9I
struck you with blight and mildew; I laid waste your gardens and your
vineyards; the locust devoured your fig trees and your olive trees; yet you did
not return to me, says the Lord. 10I sent
among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with
the sword; I carried away your horses; and I made the stench of your camp go up
into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me, says the Lord.
11I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
and you were like a brand snatched from the fire; yet you did not return to me,
says the Lord.
12Therefore
thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet
your God, O Israel! 13For lo, the one who forms the mountains,
creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals, makes the morning darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord, the God
of hosts, is his name!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
justice and repentance
Good evening sisters and brothers,
Amos is a real favorite of mine because he is scorching in his preaching against the injustice he saw in his home country. In 8th century (700-800 BC) the southern kingdom of Judah was doing well economically. The religious and political elite felt favored by God, so they figured they were doing things right. Amos tells them that they are wrong. A society's righteousness is not defined by how wealthy or successful it is, but by how it treats the poorest and most vulnerable. Israel's law (which instructs, but doesn't bind Christians) holds up values of protection and care for the poor and rejects profiting on other people's vulnerability. Amos calls Judah to account for how they treat the poor in powerful language. For Judah then and for us now, this is a call to repentance. I pray that each of us individually and our nation as a whole would hear God's call to repent and invitation to justice.
God bless,
Sam
Amos is a real favorite of mine because he is scorching in his preaching against the injustice he saw in his home country. In 8th century (700-800 BC) the southern kingdom of Judah was doing well economically. The religious and political elite felt favored by God, so they figured they were doing things right. Amos tells them that they are wrong. A society's righteousness is not defined by how wealthy or successful it is, but by how it treats the poorest and most vulnerable. Israel's law (which instructs, but doesn't bind Christians) holds up values of protection and care for the poor and rejects profiting on other people's vulnerability. Amos calls Judah to account for how they treat the poor in powerful language. For Judah then and for us now, this is a call to repentance. I pray that each of us individually and our nation as a whole would hear God's call to repent and invitation to justice.
God bless,
Sam
Amos
2:4-13
4Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will
not revoke the punishment; because they have rejected the law of the Lord, and have not kept his statutes, but they have been led
astray by the same lies after which their ancestors walked. 5So I
will send a fire on Judah, and it shall devour the strongholds of Jerusalem. 6Thus
says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and
for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for
silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— 7they who trample the
head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the
way; father and son go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; 8they
lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge; and in the
house of their God they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.
9Yet I destroyed
the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of cedars, and who
was as strong as oaks; I destroyed his fruit above, and his roots beneath. 10Also
I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the
wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11And I raised up
some of your children to be prophets and some of your youths to be nazirites.
Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel? says the Lord. 12But
you made the nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, “You
shall not prophesy.” 13So, I will press you down in your place, just
as a cart presses down when it is full of sheaves.
Friday, October 4, 2013
it's only a sacrament with unity
Good morning friends,
Today and tomorrow's readings give the most direct treatment of communion in the Bible as a tradition observed from the beginning of the church. It seems in the early church communion/Lord's Supper was more a communal meal then the small taste of bread and juice we're used to today, even though the message is the same. In Corinth it seems that some folks in the community were economically comfortable while others were struggling. That sounds like many faith communities now too. Paul argues that if they don't bridge the divisions by truly sharing their meal with one another instead of looking out for themselves, they are not really eating the Lord's Supper. The sacrament is only a sacrament if we overcome our divisions.
God's blessings as we grow together,
Sam
Today and tomorrow's readings give the most direct treatment of communion in the Bible as a tradition observed from the beginning of the church. It seems in the early church communion/Lord's Supper was more a communal meal then the small taste of bread and juice we're used to today, even though the message is the same. In Corinth it seems that some folks in the community were economically comfortable while others were struggling. That sounds like many faith communities now too. Paul argues that if they don't bridge the divisions by truly sharing their meal with one another instead of looking out for themselves, they are not really eating the Lord's Supper. The sacrament is only a sacrament if we overcome our divisions.
God's blessings as we grow together,
Sam
1
Corinthians 11:17-22
17Now in the
following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it
is not for the better but for the worse. 18For, to begin with, when
you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and
to some extent I believe it. 19Indeed, there have to be factions
among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine.
20When you
come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s supper. 21For when
the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one
goes hungry and another becomes drunk. 22What! Do you not have homes
to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and
humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend
you? In this matter I do not commend you!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
wealth and judgment
Good afternoon sisters and brothers,
I hope you're doing well. When we think about money in the biblical perspective there are several passages that really challenge our culture's priority on wealth. There's nothing wrong with success. At the same time, at a certain basic level when we have too much and others don't have enough there's a strong obligation to do something. After all, everything we have comes from God, and we are called to share with others. When I read passages like this I feel challenged. The question is how to take that challenge and use it productively, rather than just feeling guilty.
blessings,
Sam
I hope you're doing well. When we think about money in the biblical perspective there are several passages that really challenge our culture's priority on wealth. There's nothing wrong with success. At the same time, at a certain basic level when we have too much and others don't have enough there's a strong obligation to do something. After all, everything we have comes from God, and we are called to share with others. When I read passages like this I feel challenged. The question is how to take that challenge and use it productively, rather than just feeling guilty.
blessings,
Sam
Luke 16:19-31
19“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple
and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his
gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed
to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs
would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried
away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he
looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24He
called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip
of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25But
Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good
things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here,
and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great
chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you
cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’
27He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him
to my father’s house— 28for I have five brothers—that he may warn
them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29Abraham
replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30He
said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will
repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Solomon's wisdom
Good afternoon friends,
Today we read probably the most familiar story from King Solomon's reign. He asked God for wisdom, and God provided. We also read just briefly that Solomon led Israel to great prosperity. In itself, that's wonderful, but we also hear that Solomon himself was very rich. If we remember back to Deuteronomy when Moses told the people God's law for the king, God warns the people that the king shouldn't exalt himself over the rest of his people. It also said the king shouldn't acquire many horses. So, even though the text isn't explicit about it, we can take this passage as a warning that Solomon is treading on dangerous ground.
May we be wise in our living as well,
Sam
Today we read probably the most familiar story from King Solomon's reign. He asked God for wisdom, and God provided. We also read just briefly that Solomon led Israel to great prosperity. In itself, that's wonderful, but we also hear that Solomon himself was very rich. If we remember back to Deuteronomy when Moses told the people God's law for the king, God warns the people that the king shouldn't exalt himself over the rest of his people. It also said the king shouldn't acquire many horses. So, even though the text isn't explicit about it, we can take this passage as a warning that Solomon is treading on dangerous ground.
May we be wise in our living as well,
Sam
1 Kings 3:16-28, 4:25-28
16Later, two women who were prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17The one woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house; and I gave birth while she was in the house. 18Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. We were together; there was no one else with us in the house, only the two of us were in the house. 19Then this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20She got up in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your servant slept. She laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, I saw that he was dead; but when I looked at him closely in the morning, clearly it was not the son I had borne.”
22But the other woman said, “No, the living son is mine, and the dead son is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead son is yours, and the living son is mine.” So they argued before the king. 23Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; while the other says, ‘Not so! Your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24So the king said, “Bring me a sword,” and they brought a sword before the king. 25The king said, “Divide the living boy in two; then give half to the one, and half to the other.” 26But the woman whose son was alive said to the king—because compassion for her son burned within her—“Please, my lord, give her the living boy; certainly do not kill him!” The other said, “It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it.” 27Then the king responded: “Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother.” 28All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice.
4:25During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all of them under their vines and fig trees. 26Solomon also had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27Those officials supplied provisions for King Solomon and for all who came to King Solomon’s table, each one in his month; they let nothing be lacking. 28They also brought to the required place barley and straw for the horses and swift steeds, each according to his charge.
Monday, July 9, 2012
laws
Good evening/morning sisters and brothers,
Today's reading is a short sample of some laws God gave the people of Israel. Notice how the law protects the borrower more than the lender, because the borrower would probably be more vulnerable than his wealthier neighbor. The threat is that God takes the side of the weak and blesses those who treat them fairly. That's a good reminder for us in this time of ever growing wealth disparity. Who do our laws protect?
God bless,
Sam
Today's reading is a short sample of some laws God gave the people of Israel. Notice how the law protects the borrower more than the lender, because the borrower would probably be more vulnerable than his wealthier neighbor. The threat is that God takes the side of the weak and blesses those who treat them fairly. That's a good reminder for us in this time of ever growing wealth disparity. Who do our laws protect?
God bless,
Sam
Deuteronomy 24:5-13
5When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any related duty. He shall be free at home one year, to be happy with the wife whom he has married. 6No one shall take a mill or an upper millstone in pledge, for that would be taking a life in pledge. 7If someone is caught kidnaping another Israelite, enslaving or selling the Israelite, then that kidnaper shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
8Guard against an outbreak of a leprous skin disease by being very careful; you shall carefully observe whatever the levitical priests instruct you, just as I have commanded them. 9Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on your journey out of Egypt.
10When you make your neighbor a loan of any kind, you shall not go into the house to take the pledge. 11You shall wait outside, while the person to whom you are making the loan brings the pledge out to you. 12If the person is poor, you shall not sleep in the garment given you as the pledge. 13You shall give the pledge back by sunset, so that your neighbor may sleep in the cloak and bless you; and it will be to your credit before the Lord your God.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
the great physician
Good morning friends,
Today's reading is one of the most challenging readings in scripture for me. In preaching this passage recently the image that came to mind was Jesus as the great physician. He looks at the man and knows what it is that's separating him from God, so he prescribes the cure. The man has a hard time swallowing the pill, which leads Jesus to say that wealth is one of the hardest sicknesses to cure: "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The good news is that God can make a way where there is no way.
God bless,
Sam
Luke 18:18-30
18A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.’” 21He replied, “I have kept all these since my youth.” 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 23But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.
24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” 28Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Today's reading is one of the most challenging readings in scripture for me. In preaching this passage recently the image that came to mind was Jesus as the great physician. He looks at the man and knows what it is that's separating him from God, so he prescribes the cure. The man has a hard time swallowing the pill, which leads Jesus to say that wealth is one of the hardest sicknesses to cure: "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The good news is that God can make a way where there is no way.
God bless,
Sam
Luke 18:18-30
18A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.’” 21He replied, “I have kept all these since my youth.” 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 23But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.
24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” 28Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Friday, October 8, 2010
following past the distractions
Good morning friends,
The psalmist continues to give thanks for the joy of following God's path. The law is seen here as a gift because it guides our lives and helps us stay faithful to the one who loves us. The psalmist admits that s/he faces temptations, especially wealth and "vanities," but desires to follow God instead of focusing on these things. The world is full of distractions and forces that pull us away from God, but God keeps calling us back, and in following we find the rest of our life coming into its proper balance.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:33-40
33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
38Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
39Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
The psalmist continues to give thanks for the joy of following God's path. The law is seen here as a gift because it guides our lives and helps us stay faithful to the one who loves us. The psalmist admits that s/he faces temptations, especially wealth and "vanities," but desires to follow God instead of focusing on these things. The world is full of distractions and forces that pull us away from God, but God keeps calling us back, and in following we find the rest of our life coming into its proper balance.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:33-40
33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
38Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
39Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
contentment and wealth
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Today we get two readings that deal with wealth. Paul continues his advice to Timothy. Here he contrasts being content with our material needs and pursuing spiritual maturity with being complacent in our spiritual life and pursuing material wealth. He urges Timothy to work with the wealthy to help them use what they have for good while freeing themselves from the trap of trusting in wealth.
Our Gospel reading is one that often haunts me. Jesus doesn't tell us that the rich man was dishonest or wicked; only that he feasted everyday while a poor man sat hungry at his gate. After death the two men's situations were reversed. When the judgment comes, will our judge tell me that I have already received the good things I deserve? Let us listen to the law and the prophets as well as the teachings of Jesus our Lord. Let us pursue justice for all people today.
God bless,
Sam
1 Timothy 6:6-19
6Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; 7for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; 8but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
11But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will bring about at the right time-he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
*Luke 16:19-31
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' 25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-28for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Today we get two readings that deal with wealth. Paul continues his advice to Timothy. Here he contrasts being content with our material needs and pursuing spiritual maturity with being complacent in our spiritual life and pursuing material wealth. He urges Timothy to work with the wealthy to help them use what they have for good while freeing themselves from the trap of trusting in wealth.
Our Gospel reading is one that often haunts me. Jesus doesn't tell us that the rich man was dishonest or wicked; only that he feasted everyday while a poor man sat hungry at his gate. After death the two men's situations were reversed. When the judgment comes, will our judge tell me that I have already received the good things I deserve? Let us listen to the law and the prophets as well as the teachings of Jesus our Lord. Let us pursue justice for all people today.
God bless,
Sam
1 Timothy 6:6-19
6Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; 7for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; 8but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
11But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will bring about at the right time-he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
*Luke 16:19-31
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' 25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-28for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
