Using wealth
Day 479, Wednesday, Dec. 3
Luke Chapter 15 – 17:19
I’ve always thought that one of the most difficult parables of Jesus is the story of the shrewd manager at the beginning of chapter 16. It’s confusing because it seems to applaud dishonest actions.
However disturbing the content of the parable may be, its conclusion in verse 9 is clear, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
Then in verse 13 we read, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Money is often a goal (and a god) itself. It also can buy comfort and control, two other things humans tend to worship.
Chapter 16, both in the story of the shrewd manager and the following story of Lazarus, teaches us that money cannot save us—but it can be used as a tool to bless others. By blessing others, we gain blessings for ourselves.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Wednesday meditation

Psalms 37:1-7
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Prayer focus
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.