Toiling After Riches Meaningless?

The older I get the more death becomes a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)? Will they appreciate all the years that you spent earning and saving it for them?

This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 
 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

While you are yet making your journey through this world focus not on amassing wealth or power to the exploitation of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always.  Pr. J

Meaningless?

The older I get and death becomes more of a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)?

 This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

This too is meaningless.

As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say that work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 

 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

Focus your journey here on earth, not on amassing wealth or power to the exploit of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified in all that you think and say and do.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always. 

God's Peace

Pr. J

The Money Pot

He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

I may not thrill a lot of people with today's blog; but, I am still trying to figure out this whole madness over the powerball lottery thing. I am amazed at how much money can be gathered from people who are willing to gamble on becoming rich beyond their dreams. When I listen to what some would do with the money, I cannot help but wonder how long it would be before they would be filing for bankruptcy. I also wonder how many really destitute that amount of money could feed or clothe or shelter. Maybe at least half of the proceeds from each of these lotteries could go toward shelters for the homeless? I mean, who really needs a billion dollars? Seems like a lot for one or two people to manage who have no experience managing even hundreds of thousands.

There are real people who are really destitute in this country. They cannot afford to buy powerball tickets. They use what pennies they have to try to feed themselves. Using the profit from lotteries for the betterment of society has been, in fact, attempted. It doesn't seem to have worked too well. Years ago, when Michigan was pushing for a lottery, funding the school system from the lottery was a priority that was being touted. The schools in Michigan are still in a pretty bad financial state and so are our roads. Gambling no matter in what form brings about many problems along with the benefits it might bring to a few.

We cannot let money manage us. It is up to us as individuals, businesses, and governments to manage money for the betterment of all. I live near the first Indian Casino that was ever opened in this country. To their credit, the tribe has learned to manage their earnings to benefit the whole community, both Native Americans and non-Native. However, not all individuals who frequent the casino have learned what it means to manage their money.

There is a lot of hope placed in the chance of winning by some who play the lotteries. It benefits a few; but, has the potential of doing great damage to others.  

Many of my friends and family members gamble. For the most part they are not extravagant in their placing their bets. Although, I have worried about at least a few of them. Personally, I do not find gambling a good stewardship model for me. I could throw the money in the pot to make someone else a million or billionaire or I could throw it in a pot and feed a hungry person.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains." 1 Timothy 6:10

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sin

Not everyone wants to hear the truth. They will rally against Christian truth-tellers. They will accuse them of being unchristianlike. No one likes to hear that they what they do is a sin. Well, Jesus was a truth-teller. He did not condone sin as some would have us believe. He was not a pushover as some would have us think.

Remember the money changer's tables in the temple that he turned over and then drove those making a profit in God's house out of the temple with a whip? (Matt 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-15) How meek and mild does that sound?

If you think your pastor or teacher are acting in a manner not befitting a Christian because they call a sin a sin; think again, please. When was the last time one of them actually told you to "get behind me Satan" because you rejected the word and will of God? (Matt 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-38) I can just imagine the reaction if I said that to someone. I confess. I am a wimp. I have thought it. I have even implied it. But, never actually had the courage to use those words (except with a person or two very close to me).

And... please, don't bother using the story of the woman who had been brought before him accused of adultery. No, he did not condemn her. But, he not only confronted her with her sins when he told her to go and sin no more; he confronted the sins of the Scribes and Pharisees when he told them that the one who was without sin should cast the first stone. No one cast that first stone. (John 8:1-11) We are all sinners. That doesn't make sin something to be ignored. Jesus did not ignore it. We ought not ignore it in ourselves or anyone else.

Jesus did not ignore sin. He was tough on sin. In fact, he was so tough on sin that he was willing to hang on that cross for us so that sin would have no power over us. (1 Cor 15:56, 57) Bearing the sins of the world; now, that takes courage! (Rom 5:7-9) Jesus was and is no pushover and he does not call his followers to be, either. He spoke the truth. He lived the truth. He is the truth.

Jesus died for our sins; that is true. St. Paul wrote to the church: "What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Rom 6:1-3) 

May God grant that we should acknowledge our sins and live so that we might glorify his holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Before one accuses another Christian of being unchristianlike in order to justify our own sins; it would behoove us to read your Bibles thoroughly so that we get to know who Jesus really was and is and not just the verses we think might justify our own actions. Justification comes only through Jesus' death on the cross for you.

Hebrews 7 - Redeemed by the High Priest

Hebrews 7 NIV 
Jesus is not just the King. He is thee High Priest. He has paid for our sins and through him we have been reconciled to God our Father. Do we get that? Do we understand the implications? We have been reconciled to God our Father. That is the goal of one who would follow Jesus. Being reconciled to God, our Father, through the sacrifice of the great High Priest, Jesus, by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, is the goal. Is there anything more awesome than that?

It appears (from watching televangelism) that not everyone is aware of the goal nor of the gospel (good news of the Kingdom). There are many other goals. One of the most abhorrent goal is that of doing good works, supposedly godly works, so that one might become wealthy in this world. It is a counterfeit faith. It tells us that if we do this or that, God will bless us with riches, million dollar homes, expensive cars, airplanes, etc.. That is law; albeit counterfeit law. It is not the gospel. When did riches in this world become the first goal, the focus, of a Christian?

By his blood we are set free from bondage to the world. The pursuit of this world through the law over the kingdom throws us right back into bondage to things of this world. Any priest or pastor who teaches that Jesus came to make us rich in this world is not one we should be listening to.

Please, excuse my rampage this morning. I cannot count the times just in the past month I've encouraged people to be more discerning in what televangelists they're watching; even to just skip those channels altogether. And... then last night I found myself watching one. I did not sleep well because of the blasphemous things I heard.

I am not saying that it is a sin to be rich. There are many wealthy Christians. But, it is definitely wrong to promise that God will make someone rich if you send them your money. By doing that, the only one you're making rich in this world is the televangelist. The gifts of God cannot be bought.

Remember this, you were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, not with silver or gold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Timothy 3 - Believe Only What Can Be Supported By Scripture

2 Timothy 3 NIV

Paul tells Timothy that "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (vs 12) When I was a young Christian I had a hard time figuring out what this meant. As a much older and hopefully a bit wiser Christian, I now have a better idea. It can be quite a challenge, at times, to live in a society where God is placed on the bottom of the list of his children's priorities, if He's even on that list all. It's difficult to be surrounded by so many people are in love with themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to the parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. (vs 2-5) Paul's not talking here about unbelievers. He's talking about those who profess to believe in God. He's talking about some of the Christians at Ephesus. Paul says simply, "Have nothing to do with such people." (vs 5) That can be most difficult as some of those who would teach and believe such lies are our friends, our neighbors, and often our own family. That, sadly, is a reality.

We live in an age when many who profess to be Christians have heard and believe many false teachings. There are those who profess to be Christian who do not actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead; that He is God. There are those who believe and teach that everyone is saved and that Jesus is not the only way, quite contrary to his word. These denials of the faith must be refuted to protect those who are being led astray by those who would worm their way into homes and gain control over the gullible. We must also pray for those who have been led astray by those who teach and preach to advance their own agendas.

So, what can we do? We can get to know God's word and loving will for us and for all people. Paul encouraged Timothy and the church at Ephesus to "Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (vs 14-17)

We cannot confront lies unless we know the truth. Be diligent, then, in hearing and studying the Word of God found in the Holy Scriptures. You're odds of hearing the truth on television are pretty slim. You must open your Bibles to find it.

Don't forget to click on the link at the top of this page to read the scripture that this blog is based on. You should not trust even my words, unless they can be supported by scripture.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Timothy 6 - Love of Money

1 Timothy 6 NIV

Seek not the pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow; rather, receive the Tree of Life,
who is Jesus the Christ.

It is not money that is the root of all evil; rather, as Paul puts it, "...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (vs 10) God has indeed blessed many of the faithful with riches in this world. We are not to disrespect those whom God has so blessed. They are faithful in using their blessings to bless others and to glorify God. They are not arrogantly serving themselves. And, if they are then we might want to discern whether they really serve God or themselves before we listen to them.

We should not so desire wealth in this world that it detracts us from the love of God. There are many false prophets in this world who would tell us that if we just do this or that God will bless us. There are many who would teach that godliness  is a means to gain.

I received one of those letters the other day encouraging me "to plant a seed" and God will make me rich. If you receive letters like this, I encourage you to destroy them immediately. Have nothing to do with these false prophets. Those letters are not being sent to help you get rich. They are being sent so that the senders may prosper even more. It is for their own wealth that they are concerned. They have little knowledge of the true riches of God. They use the name of God for their own glory here in this world. They do not seek the kingdom of God; but, riches in this world which are very temporary.

Money can be used for good purposes by the faithful. But, be careful that your love for it does not trump your love for God who was willing to die for you. The love of money can bring great destruction to a person; to a community; to the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Settle Out Of Court

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 NIV
So far I have managed to stay out of the courtroom due to any lawsuits by or against me. But, I have been in the courtroom when other's have been on trial or trying to have a judgment settled. It does not give one much comfort as you sit in a courtroom waiting for someone to be judged. In fact, it is quite unsettling.

St. Paul gives us good advise in that we, as Christians, should settle our differences out of court. Even if we have to humble ourselves a bit in order for that to happen; what is that? After all; we have been washed, we have been sanctified, we have ultimately been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.

Save yourself the stress (and a lot of money); settle your differences out of court.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 13:18-30 - Desert Him?

John 13:18-30 NIV
It is not all that uncommon for someone who does not get his or her own way; who becomes disappointed in the direction that their leader or friend is going, and deserts them. This is exactly what Judas did. He became disenchanted with The Way that Jesus was heading. He had desired things of this world and wasn't quite so interested in serving God according to God's will. Becoming disappointed because Jesus was not going to be a great ruler and king of this world; he betrayed Jesus. He turned him over to the authorities for what was more desirous to him: money.

Judas had different goals than Jesus did. Often, we, too, put our own desires over the will of God for us and for all humankind. We desert him in order to pursue our desires, our priorities.

Judas really isn't so different from most of us. We may sit down to eat with a "friend" one day and the next we turn away from them because they don't think or act like exactly like us. May God help us to love our neighbor without prejudice so that we would not desert them in their time of need. May God grant us wisdom and courage so that we should never desert Him or turn from His good will for us to seek after things of this world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 16:1-15 Love of Money

Luke 16:1-15 NIV
“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.” (vs 13)

This is not to say that if you have a lot of money that you do not love or serve God. In fact, maybe you are one whom God has richly blessed and you use what He has given use wisely and for His glory. He is your first love, the riches are merely a tool to reach out to others, glorifying His Holy Name. Be wise; though, and understand that the pursuit of gaining money and things can quickly take over your life and in the end you may realize that it was not God (the one who blessed you) that you loved; rather, it was riches in this world.

Use the gifts that God has given use in a manner that might glorify Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:13-21 Serving Junk!

Luke 12:13-21 NIV
Last Friday, my husband, grandchildren, and I went out to gather wild mushrooms. We found a few bags full; enough for a few meals. This was a rare occasion. We got to do something that I enjoy doing, together. I was surprised. The grandkids loved it. Of course, that may be because the mushrooms, this year, were in abundance and they were real easy picking.

Usually, family outings mean shopping. They all love to spend money. I have never enjoyed shopping; but, if I want to do something with them, I usually get out-voted on what to do. No one cares for hiking or kayaking or visiting waterfalls just to take a few photos. Shopping or nothing. Well, that's not exactly correct. I do hear that they would like to go on cruises or to expensive waterparks (not the inexpensive "cheap" ones).

When I think back to all the money that was spent on stuff that wasn't needed or even wanted, it makes me a bit sad. So many hours spent working for stuff that made no difference to us or anyone else. I can no longer remember all of the cars we've owned, or living room sets. I definitely cannot remember how many computers we've purchased in our lives or even ATV's! Sooner or later, everything ends up in the junk pile. A lifetime working and serving junk!

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:18-21 NIV)

Seek first the Kingdom of God....! (Matt 6:33)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 21:12-13 - House of Prayer

"Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Matt 21:12-13 NIV)

The story about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple has always made me just a little anxious. Small congregations (maybe large ones, too) often have fund-raisers to support their budgets. We sell stuff in order to pay the bills. Sometimes, these fund-raisers come in the form of meals or maybe art and craft fairs or even a rummage sale. I worry that maybe we're not trusting God to provide for us through the generosity of His children's offerings to Him and His work through the congregation. I am of the mind that anything that comes in to support God's work through the church should be a free-will offering to the glory of God and not an exchange for services. After all, when Jesus paid our debt on the cross, he did that freely and willingly. I guess, in today's economy, purchasing a product or service could be considered a way of supporting a congregation and mission. At least the world would see it that way. I'm not so sure God sees it that way. Even the U.S. Government does not consider that a charitable contribution. 

We do have traditional fund-raisers at Zion. I call them traditional because they have existed since long before I was born. Events like the Hunter's Supper, Women's Bazaar, or Ice Cream Social can be great times of fellowship and evangelism. I am always praying that everyone involved keeps the focus on welcoming our neighbors; rather than, primarily exchanging goods for money. For the last two summers, I have helped the youth organize a rummage sale at Zion for youth retreats. We do not put a price on anything, which makes the organizing a whole lot easier. We ask for donations of whatever one feels the items are worth to them and that they can afford. The results are very good, indeed. We also have fund-raisers, usually concerts, where proceeds go directly to other charitable organizations, such as St. Vincent De Paul, or Toys for Tots, or to support mission congregations in Russia. Members of the whole community provide the music as well as a light lunch for all of our guests following the concerts, again with no charge. These latter fund-raisers have no entrance fees; free-will offerings are suggested for the concert, but not imposed. The congregation usually over-flows into the narthex and the library with these events. These are wonderful opportunities to welcome and fellowship with our neighbors as we support those in need.

But, I am always on guard to keep the focus of "fund-raisers" on welcoming people to God's house, rather than selling. This is, after-all, a house of prayer. May God help us to continue trusting in Him alone for all our needs. May God help us to continue welcoming people into His house of prayer, in all that we might do for His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. All are welcome at Zion!

Matthew 19 - Love of Money

     Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
     When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
     Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt 19:23-26 NIV)

Whenever I read this Gospel in public worship, I get a very uncomfortable feeling. After all, everyone sitting there is richer than a good portion of the world's people. I always hope that they understand that the temptations of having an abundance of stuff are great. This stuff can easily become our false gods, without us even realizing that it has. We become comfortable with our stuff and want more. And, more of our time and energy is spent on ways to accumulate more stuff, which when we die will be gone from us, anyway. Our stuff will be gone. The Kingdom endures forever.

I look out at the congregation and I know that very many of these people have used there wealth for the good of others and for the good of the Kingdom. I, and they, must trust that; although, it is impossible for any of us to enter the Kingdom of God on what we have or don't have; it is impossible to enter into the Kingdom on our own merit, with God all things are possible. It is faith alone that saves and that faith in the Kingdom promised through the blood of Christ will fill us with a desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, giving ourselves; our time, our talents, our "stuff" in the service of God and our fellow human beings.

Years (decades) ago, I sold insurance door-to-door in North Carolina. One particular home that I visited had a dirt floor. It was a farming household. They were rich. No, I don't mean they were rich because they had all they really needed. They were literally millionaires. But, they chose to live a lifestyle that appeared to others that they were even poorer than were. The wife was in the kitchen working when I got there. She was visibly upset. Her husband was working in the fields somewhere. After she calmed down, she explained to me how rich they were and she could not get her husband to upgrade their home because he didn't want to lose a penny to the local government. He didn't want to take the chance on having his property taxes raised.

Another elderly farmer's wife that I knew (again a couple decades ago) in Minnesota had a similar story. They had a very nice home, a huge farm. I didn't see much of her husband as he was always out in the barn or fields working. They were both very pleasant people. One day, I found her crying in the kitchen. She had wanted so much to go on a cruise with her husband. It's not that they couldn't afford it. She related to me that years before they had sold some property and invested quite wisely. They, too, were millionaires. But, her husband was what we would call a workaholic. He would not take the time to go away with her. He would not trust his farm to the hired hands. He was afraid he might lose a penny or two while he was away.

The love of money is a great temptation. It will tempt some to spend, spend, spend.... It will tempt others to hoard, hoard, hoard....  It will tempt us to spend time worrying more about our wealth than loving God or our families and neighbors.

I'm just saying that it is not so much about what you have or don't have; but, about what you do with what God has given you. Are you faithful to God in caring for the gifts He has given you? Do you use these gifts so that His will be done and not yours?

Wealth brings great temptations. In the end, we are all subject to these temptations and we are all lost. But, with God all things are possible. Thanks be to God that we are saved, not by our works, but by His grace!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 7 - A Den of Robbers?

“‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, 'We are safe'—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord.'" (Jer 7:9-12 NIV)

This lesson from Jeremiah reminds me of one of my favorite things on Facebook this past Advent Season. It was a picture of Jesus in the temple turning over the tables of the money changers. The caption said, "If anyone asks you, 'What would Jesus do?' Remind them that flipping over tables and chasing people with a whip is within the realm of possibilities." Just in case you doubt that Jesus would do this, see Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, or John 2:15.

So often we forget who God really is. Maybe, we never got to know Him in the first place. I have had way too many people tell me that they just can't believe in a God who is this grandfatherly figure who just adores His misbehaving children looking down over us from the clouds with this gentle smile on His face. Today and often, if we're reading the scriptures, we get a different picture. Of course, then I will probably hear that some can't believe in a God who is so violent that He would turn the tables over on the money changers or chase them with whips. 

It seems that there will always be a reason to not worship Him. There will always be another reason for not following in His Way. But, know this, according to the word given to Jeremiah, "But I have been watching! declares the LORD."  We are not safe to do all those detestable things. We have been saved from bondage to them, but we are not safe to do them. The LORD is watching. He does know which gods we serve. He does know whether we live honestly and with integrity. He knows how we treat our neighbors. Just saying.... 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jeremiah 7 - Den Of Thieves

"Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord." (Jer 7:11 NKJV)

Jeremiah 7:11 is the scripture Jesus is referring to when he says: “...It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”  (Matthew 21:13, see also Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46) Jesus is at the temple overturning the tables of the money changers and those who are selling small birds so that the people can make appropriate offerings when he refers to Jeremiah. 

I have struggled with this selling "stuff" in the church for as long as I can remember. The sales of anything within the church really makes me uncomfortable. I always recommend that there be no price set for fundraising meals or for rummage sales or anything that has to do with selling things in the church. Sometimes my recommendations are heeded. Sometimes they are not. Usually, when they are and we simply take a free-will offering the fund-raiser is much more successful. Even this makes me uncomfortable as the church should not have to do fund-raisers to support the work of the ministry. The ministry should be supported freely with free-will offerings. However, I will concede that due to the hardness of heart and lack of stewardship education sometimes fund-raising is necessary and I will also concede that there is (possibly) a distinction between fundraising for the church and individuals making profit by exchanging money in the courts of the LORD's house. Catch that? There is a difference between raising funds to support the ministry of the whole church (that is the proclamation of the Gospel) and individual selling "stuff" for personal gain.

Both Jeremiah and Jesus are reminding us that we are to act justly - to care for our neighbors. As Jeremiah puts it: "... do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt." (Jer 7:6) Feeding God's less fortunate children and caring for them does sometimes take a special effort or event. In October, again this year, we will hold a concert for Toys for Tots at Zion. It is a time to gather together to bring our gifts so that all the children of this county will have gifts on Christmas morning. The musicians all donate their time and there is no charge for this concert. A free-will offering of a gift for a child is suggested and if brought, is placed on the altar.

The temple is a place of worship. It is a place of prayer and of communing with God and with other children of God. It is not for personal gain of any sort. Personally, I am thinking that if we spent more time worshipping God and communing with Him through prayer, the church on earth wouldn't have to be quite so worried about fund-raising. If we would just listen to Him as He speaks to us through the scriptures; as He speaks to us through prophets like Jeremiah; as He speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Just a reminder, don't read this blog without reading the scripture that goes with it. These blogs are only my first impressions as I read the scripture daily. There is way more to understand in everyone of these chapters than I can begin to address in a blog.

 

Ecclesiastes 5 - The Meaninglessness Of The Love Of Money

The older I get and death becomes more of a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)? Will they appreciate all the years that you spent earning and saving it for them?

This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 
 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

Focus your journey here on earth, not on amassing wealth or power to the exploit of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always.  Pr. J

2 Chronicles 11 - Family

Last chapter, Rehoboam oppresses the people.  This chapter; the oppressed (Jeroboam) sets up false gods.  Makes sense to me!  Not!  It is just amazing how our human nature will lead us to do what is not God's will.  And... yet, God continues to love His children.

And speaking of children, Rehoboam has a few - 88 of them - including 24 sons.  Course, that really not that many when you consider that he had 18 wives and 60 concubines.  Rehoboam knows how to manipulate his sons for his own political purposes.  He has, as is necessary. chosen one as the heir to the throne.  We'll see how that plays out, as he has chosen the eldest son of his favorite wife, not the first-born of his sons.  But, he is shrewd in that he provides well for all them and gives them each places of authority in various cities.  This probably in hopes that he will be able to satisfy them and keep them from killing each other out of jealousy.  It will also ensure that Rehoboam maintains control over the whole region as his own sons watch over the various areas.  I'm thinking Rehoboam is a "control freak" and he's pretty good at it.  Money and power can really aid in controlling the lives of people around us.

Most of us have much smaller families today - in this country we do not allow for 18 wives.  It would be good if these smaller families would be able to interact and genuinely care for each other.  However, it still often happens that the whole family will end up being controlled in such a way by the most powerful and manipulative in the family to do their will, to help fulfill their desires, their dreams, and aspirations for their own lives.  No one in the family benefits from this.  Everyone one ends up a bit more dysfunctional than they would be in the first place, given our human natures.

May God bless families so that they would love and not manipulate and use their loved ones.  May He bless this world and all leaders so that they will think first of serving God and others, before themselves.