It’s always interesting when Jesus uses examples that catch us off guard. This Sunday we will hear again of what is often called the “unjust steward.” Here, Jesus actually holds up a man who stole from his employer as an example for Christians. Obviously, Jesus isn’t telling us to break the Seventh Commandment. But he is teaching Christians the view they ought to take of their earthly possessions. The unfaithful steward “made friends for himself” using earthly wealth. He did it to benefit himself. Christ’s children are to do it so that those who benefit from our earthly mammon might be drawn to something even greater – the true Bread which came down from heaven. We are to see what the Lord blesses us with as a means to an end. Our whole existence has as its aim and goal eternal life, and not just for ourselves but for our neighbors as well. We know that the Lord is returning for judgment and there is nothing in this world that can help us, save us, or will even go with us into eternity. So, it is foolish for us to spend our lives and time and resources chasing after things that will not endure and can actually prove to be a hindrance to salvation. Thus, we spend our paychecks feeding our children, supporting and expanding the preaching of the Gospel in our community and around the world, helping our neighbor in every physical need, and helping him to improve and protect his possessions and income. So free yourself from the love of money and earthly treasures. Be generous with them in order to open opportunities to proclaim the true and eternal treasure – the Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer