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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, June 14, 2003 A SOUL SEARCHING QUESTION |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, June 13, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the day: Luke 18:18-30
Jesus encounters a very good person in today’s text. From the looks of it and from the sounds of it, this is a person who would be seen as a model by most in today’s society. After all, wouldn’t we admire one who is faithful relationships, is truthful and not a gossip, honors their parents, and doesn’t seek to hurt others? This person Jesus encounters not only knows the commandments, but tries to live them out. It sounds like he is doing a good job.
In our day, we would call this guy a model citizen. Many would be tempted to say he’s a model Christian as well. But, the truth is Jesus sensed there was a very important thing that was keeping him from fully trusting in God. He was too self-reliant and too reliant on his own wealth and possessions. Thus, Jesus challenged him because he sensed that this man’s over reliance on his wealth would keep him from truly following Christ.
One of the issues that Jesus spoke about continually was the issue of possessions. For Jesus, personal possessions were and remain a spiritual issues. At the forefront of our thinking must always be the central question- “who does this belong to?” For most people- their wealth, their cars, their checking accounts, and everything they have is theirs. They earned it. They bought it. It’s theirs. In the eyes of Jesus- all we have comes from God. We are merely trustees for what God has first given. We are entrusted by God, which means we rely on God to provide for our needs. We are entrusted to be wise- to not make possessions are ultimate concern. Rather, we are to see possessions as a means of God providing for us and as an opportunity to share with others.
In the Gospel, the young man was asked a soul searching question. In a sense, Jesus asked him- “are you the owner of these possessions or a trustee?” The young man wasn’t ready to be anything other than sole owner- which meant he felt free to do whatever he wanted. This day, Jesus asks us the same soul searching question about our possessions- “are we the owners” or “are we his trustees”? How we respond will have a significant impact on our spiritual growth.
This is not an easy issue. It is tough. Very tough. But, I am a believer that it is exciting to be a trustee of God. Realizing you are a trustee does not come in an instant for most of us. It may for some, but for most of us- we need to be reminded over and over again. Gradually, we will grow into that role- if we give it a chance. It’s a tough role. It’s a counter-cultural role in a society which teaches “sole ownership of the individual.” We need others to encourage us to recognize how God provides for his trustees.
God is your provider. You are his trustee. Grow into that role. It is a role with great provisions from our Loving God.
Prayer: Lord God, you are the great provider and all we have comes from you. Teach us to be your trustees. Help us to be wise, caring, and trusting. Teach us to not rely on possessions, but rather- to rely on you for all. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.