SATURDAY 3.25.23: Allowing Jesus to Rule in Your Heart – Luke 16:1-31
Jesus told of a crook deftly buying off “friends” to help him when he lost his job. Jesus didn’t favor fraud, but asked, “If that rogue could plan ahead, shouldn’t you plan for eternity, not just earthly gain?” Then he told a parable about a rich man and Lazarus, a beggar. (The poor man, not the rich, got the dignity of a personal name.) The “rich man” ignored Lazarus “at his gate.” Jesus pictured the beggar with virtuous Abraham, while the wretched rich man (within shouting distance) begged him to warn his brothers to avoid his sad fate. Jesus wasn’t so much describing a literal afterlife as urging us to change our values in this life.
Reflection
• Jesus said no one can serve two masters—it is impossible to serve both God and wealth (verse 13). Which “master” has your deepest allegiance? In his second story, Jesus said “Moses and the prophets” could show the rich man’s brothers (and the sneering, money-loving Pharisees —verse 14) a better way. What influences help you to build your values and actions (social, financial, and spiritual) on the principles of Moses and the prophets—and Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, deliver me from all the other masters that try to lure me to make them supreme in my heart. I surrender my life to your gracious and loving rulership forever. Amen.