October 28 (Daily reading: Luke 16-17, NIV) Jesus told a story about a dishonest manager (16:1-8). The man was very perceptive in securing his future through his shrewd financial transactions. Jesus then gave a moral to His story: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Jesus asked, “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (16:10-11). There are spiritual implications in our use of “worldly wealth.” Jesus also said: “No servant can serve two masters” (16:13). Matthew placed this truth after Jesus talked about laying up treasures in heaven (Mt. 6:20). Luke placed it after Jesus talked about how we live on the earth (for example, “handling worldly wealth”). Our treasure in heaven must have something to do with how we live on the earth! The story of the rich man and Lazarus shows that there is so much more to life than worldly riches.
Personally, this story leads me to pursue true wealth. Am I trustworthy in the “very little” things of this world, so that I can be trusted with “much;” in other words, with “true riches.” One example of true riches can be found in what Jesus said to the Pharisees when they mocked Him for His views on money. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight” (16:15). We have true riches when we know we are accepted by God because He sees and knows our hearts! Another example of true riches was given in something else Jesus said to the Pharisees: “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (17:21). We have true riches when we know His kingdom is already among us. How do we know this? Because we know and serve the King!
– Al Gary
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