True riches

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So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

— Luke 16:1-15

So, what would you do if you won the lottery?

Not the scratch off $10,000 lottery. No, I’m talking the $700,000,000 mega-super-lotsa-tons-o-money lottery.

Many who win end up bankrupt.

Some lose family and friendships.

Some do OK, but not many.

I’d like to think I’d be outrageously generous and not let it change the way I do life, but I honestly don’t know.

Jesus discussed money and wealth all the time.

In Luke 16, Jesus continues with another parable.

In it, he presents a manager who got himself in trouble and then “shrewdly” found a way out of it.

He then tells those listening how one who is following him should use worldly wealth.

Serve others.

Be faithful with little.

Take good care of others’ property.

Always prioritize God over wealth.

Jesus knew that money and all the privilege, prestige and power that came with it was absolutely intoxicating.

It still is today.

To truly love God and follow Jesus, we must abandon our love for the things of this world.

God, without a doubt, entrusts great wealth to some of his children for Kingdom purposes.

Jesus reveals here, as in many other places, money is not the core issue.

Our heart is.

Expectations

Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!…How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.

— Luke 19:28-44

It happened again. Another regular monthly bill just went up without even the tiniest of a heads up.

I don’t know why. I keep getting surprised by this apparent standard business practice.

Now, I’ll have to call to get the next newest short-term deal.

I’m sure this pattern will continue until Jesus returns, and my expectation as a customer to always get the best service at the best price will remain unmet.

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem amidst the shouts and songs of the people, countless expectations are in play.

The most obvious was the people’s expectations of Jesus’ Kingship. Drive the Romans out of Israel. Establish the nation of Israel to its former glory and beyond.

Within the week, their expectations were shattered. Their shouts of praise descended into shouts of condemnation.

What are some of the expectations you have of Jesus today?

I’ve noticed many of mine grow from a me-as-the-focal-point perspective.

I would like this to happen or this would make me happy and comfortable, so certainly God will do it. Right?

And if he doesn’t? One commentator asked it this way, “Will we hold onto our expectations and turn against him or will we go to the cross and die to ourselves?”

Wiles is senior minister of Fall Creek Christian Church in Pendleton. He can be reached at 765-778-3166.

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