December 14: Luke 16 Two Masters

 Text: Luke 16 

http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=506489393

Observation: This is another teaching section in Luke's Gospel. The first parable is the parable of the "shrewd manager," who on getting news that he's being fired, proceeds to reduce the debts of all his master's clients. 

Then we have a couple of teachings about the Law, and the chapter finishes with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus: Lazarus, who is destitute and sits at the rich man's door, dies and goes to paradise. The rich man dies and goes to suffer in Hades. The rich man learns it is too late to cross over. 

Application: the theme I see in this chapter is verse 13. No slave can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and wealth (in Greek, Mammon). 

It is tough to make sense of the "shrewd manager" parable. It just seems like he's cheating. But one possible take is that he would rather "cheat" in a graceful and generous way, with Mammon (unjust wealth) than diligently guard and serve the wealth of a ruthless man. In the same way, the rich man seems to have served Mammon all his life, which widened the chasm between himself and his neighbors in poverty. By the end, he even expects them to serve him in Hades. The chasm is in his heart, and it began to form long ago. 

It's hard to know how to fully serve God in a world that's captive to Mammon. Maybe it will look a little crazy at times. Maybe it will lead us down paths that others don't understand. But it's better to be misunderstood than to forge a chasm between ourselves and our neighbors, either now or in the life to come.

Prayer: Jesus, I need help today. Help me serve you, and forsake Mammon, the God of wealth. In your name I pray.

Amen.