R³ Devotional - Day 301

These chapters are a clear depiction of how our “worldview” affects not only the lives of others, but also eternity.  In both chapters, Jesus is using parables to point out that our actions and how we live our lives here are a direct reflection of our heart, commitment, and service to God.  He doesn’t hold back on the eternal consequences and rewards either, leaving a clear distinction between the consequences of living a life in service to God here on earth or in service to idols (including ourselves).  Jesus leaves no doubt that a Biblical and God-honoring worldview has a great impact on those around us and on our (and others) eternity with Him!  

The shrewd manager teaches how we can focus on our selfishness here (thinking of our earthly future and not eternal) and how the rich that put their money as an idol will reward others for being like them.  There is also an air of worldly decisiveness versus a lack of decisiveness in how believers handle the resources entrusted to them in this story as shown by the mention of, “the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”

Jesus, being ridiculed by the Pharisees (who were lovers of money) speaks clearly that it’s our heart for God, not the outer perception (that can be deceiving to those around us) that God sees.  This let’s us know clearly that claiming to be a believer means nothing if the fruits of that relationship are not in kind with the love of God.

We also see teaching on divorce and remarriage (distinct notes on sin), the rich man and Lazarus (God rewarding those who “suffer” for Him and  Moses and the Prophets being enough evidence of Him), unworthy servants versus worthy ones, mustard seed faith being able to accomplish the impossible, and the cleansing of ten lepers and their response in these chapters.

Real Life Principles: Worldly idols, distractions, and priorities over our relationship with God directly affect our relationship and service to Him.  It’s time for some “soul-searching” and correction in most, if not all of our lives.  God blesses us with talents for kingdom work, offers Grace to us when we know we are wretched sinners, and yet many hold pride in those talents and take that Grace with a “grain of salt” without the gratitude and response it deserves.  We find worldly distractions and lose prioritizing Him over everything else, and this leaves many of us suffering in stagnate faith walks, and finding every worldly excuse to put service to Him down the list.  God sets up our eternity with great rewards for what we “give up” here on earth…many just can’t fathom that and want to live in the now.  Friends, live life and serve with a KINGDOM focus…this world is “shiny” and “pleasurable” but that is an infinitesimal speck on the timeline of eternity.  Choose wisely!

Relevant Life Applications: Remember these stories and why they are documented in God’s Holy Word.  Remember, God said that Moses and the Prophets were enough to turn us to Him.  Don’t live life looking for miracles to direct you to God…look in the Word of God, look at those who walk faithfully with Him.  It should not take a miraculous event to make us have faith…those just reassure us.  How are you serving, living, and giving for Kingdom work daily?  No matter what we do, we should be reflecting God and His Glory in it…not sitting silently and hiding our faith!

Being Ready with Life Action Steps: Many times the hardest thing we can do as a believer is to be truly obedient.  It’s a daily struggle, however the more we are obedient and see the fruits of that obedience, the easier and more fulfilling it becomes.  It just takes that first step!  The enemy will whisper in your ear, “you can’t do this,” or, “they’ll make fun of you”, or “you’ll lose your job” to stop you from that obedience.  Don’t listen to those whispers and follow the Holy Spirit of God that lives in you and serve faithfully, using the talents (gifts) He has given you for His Kingdom work!  The eternal rewards are much more valuable than any short-term enjoyment/pleasure here on earth.  Be bold in your faith and service!