Most people, even Christians, dislike talk about money in relation to faith. Religion misusing money has existed from Judas Iscariot and can even be traced to Cain and Abel’s gifts in the first book of the Bible. Jesus, however, made mention of money frequently. As expected, he spoke of giving in a way far different from the perceptions of those in his time and ours. In the opening of Luke 21 we read: 1 As Jesus looked up, he saw... Read more
Being a leader is both a great privilege and responsibility. Spiritual leadership is perhaps more so, because there is the added factor of walking humbly with God while also pointing the way for others. Even some of greatest heroes of the Bible had their dark side–David’s had an affair with Bathsheeba, Moses murdered an Egyptian in anger, and Peter denied knowing Jesus on the night His Master was arrested. Yet God still used them, flaws and all. But there is... Read more
As a kid, one of the first church songs I remember is, “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he…” As an adult, I realize the story involves much more than a short guy who climbed a tree to see Jesus. The end of this account in Luke 19 reads: 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up... Read more
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear... Read more
It is much easier to believe in Jesus than to forgive those who mistreat us. The problem is that Jesus requires both. In Luke 17, Jesus taught: “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6... Read more
When Jesus spoke to his followers regarding the issue of money, he concluded his lesson in Luke 16 with: “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.” From the perspective of Jesus, it’s God or money, not both. This does not make money evil, but it does clearly state that those who follow... Read more
“1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” The life of Jesus attracted sinners and repelled religious hypocrites. The result? Something I call Jesus gossip. Jesus gossip is when people spoke negatively of Jesus for reasons other than something he had done wrong. In this case, it was hanging out with those considered sinners with... Read more
Knowing Jesus is free; following Jesus is not. Bonhoeffer called this “costly grace.” In the words of Jesus found in Luke 14, we read: 25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my... Read more
It’s increasingly unpopular to believe anyone will spend eternity apart from God in an eternal hell. I would be quick to take the universalism approach, too, except I believe what Jesus says is true, including his teachings in Luke 13 regarding the narrow door. He states: 22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to... Read more
One of the greatest lines in the Gospels from my perspective is found in Luke 12:34. Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The context is one in which Jesus teaches his disciples that God supplies their needs. As a result, they do not need to worry, but rather live a life of generosity that gives to those in need. He then provides some examples: A raven is given the food it needs to... Read more
Holy Writ
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