SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:1-9
Why does Jesus make a hero out of the dishonest manager?
Would Jesus use Bernie Madoff as a commendable character in his stories?
But the point of comparison here is not the dishonesty, but the shrewdness.
Jesus is lamenting that bad people show more creativity than good people.
Bad people seem devoted to bad plans than good people to good plans.
Why is it that the devil’s disciples seem more wise and determined than the Lord’s disciples?
Jesus is urging His disciples to invest in eternity with all the zeal that worldly people invest in themselves.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
Consider how much energy you put into: your vacation, your new car, your furniture, your technology…
Your… (fill in the blank for whatever you like invest your time and money in).
Treasures in heaven are better investments, for they will last forever (Matthew 6:19-21).
What greater treasure can there be than the HUGE welcome of people blessed by you in this life.
THIS is what Jesus wants us to be zealous about!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I need You to rewire my heart so that I want to be more zealous for good, for God! Holy Spirit change me from the inside out, make me innocently shrewd for You!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
Riches. Wealth. Talents.
This parable reminds me of the talent parable.
The man was so rich that he hired a manager to manage the riches. However the ,anger abused his power and wasted the master’s goods. When ‘caught’ the manager put his ‘gifts’ or talents or energy into focus. He worked hard and with persistence. No more skimming. Go for the goal.
The use of the resources after being caught were used to make friends. Building friends. The gifts are for the people. The talents are for sharing.
The manager must not waste the master’s gifts.
The pharisees were there. Did they hear?
Do I hear?
Am I serving the Master? Am I using my wealth for kingdom building? What’s the role of wealth in my life?
I need to use the gifts given for His purposes and the building of His Kingdom.
All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
Refrain
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours;
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
Refrain
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Refrain
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.
Refrain
Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me His belovèd,
Lets me rest beneath His wings.
Refrain