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Luke 16
How have you been “trustworthy in handling worldly wealth?” How is it “someone else’s property?” How does that change the way you handle it? This is another one of those chapters where I feel like I understand the words but I’m not sure I grasp the deeper meaning. It kind of presents as a group of various teachings, but I get the sense that there is more of a cohesive message in it all. And it seems to have to do with how we live this life we’ve been given.
I have never really understood the parable of the shrewd manager. Jesus Himself labeled the man dishonest, and I am certain He was not encouraging us to be likewise. It’s the shrewd part that seems to matter. Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:16, “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” supports that thought. So we are to be shrewd, but honest. But what does that mean?
Jesus tells us to use our worldly wealth but not to serve it. He then calls out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts.” (Lk. 16:15a). Ah – I think I am starting to see how that statement sets the foundation for the rest of the chapter. The Pharisees tried to use the law to justify their sinful behavior. But the law cannot justify anybody, because you can obey the letter of the law and still be disobedient to God. Jesus then steered that thought back to how we use our worldly wealth with the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
So back to being shrewd but honest… I like the Cambridge Dictionary’s definition of shrewd. “Able to judge people and situations well and make good decisions.” The message I see Jesus giving here, then, is that we need to understand the temporal nature of our current life and to make decisions that will set us up well for our true life in eternity. Like the shrewd manager, let’s think ahead. So rather than using our wealth for ourselves, let’s use it to love God and love others. Let’s be willing to give up the “good things” of this life and instead serve God with what He gives us. Then the law cannot condemn us. And when we lose our life here, we will be welcomed into God’s house.
Hos. 4-5
“Though you, Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty… Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!” (Hos. 4:15a, 17). God told Judah not to follow Ephraim, the Northern tribes of Israel, into their sin. This makes me think of Paul’s teachings about not keeping those who are stubborn in their sin in your fellowship. Also about God admonishing Judah’s good kings for allying with the evil kings of Israel. The bottom line? Have nothing to do with evil or with those who stubbornly practice it! Leave them alone!!
Ps. 140
“Rescue me, Lord” (v. 1). “Keep me safe” (v. 4). Where do you need God’s rescue and protection? Who else do you know that needs this prayer? Pray it for them. We can do our best to leave evil alone. But sometimes it comes after us. When it does, say to the LORD, “’You are my God.’ Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy. Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed.” (Ps. 140:6-8). God is faithful.