As a part of our Advent observances at Grace, we are making use of Concordia Publishing’s Behold the Child materials for worship. Our web devotions through Christmas will be guided by Pastor Kevin Golden’s devotional booklet written in support of the Behold the Child theme (you may purchase a downloadable copy of Pr. Golden’s book by following this link).
Prayer Pointers:
For understanding of what true riches are
For growth in generosity
Text: Psalm 72:2; Luke 16:10-12
The riches of the Church are those who have been made rich in Christ... –Pr. Golden
THE CHURCH HAS always struggled with the balance between worldly riches and the riches of the Kingdom. Whether we are talking about mighty Solomon and his successors in Israel, the opulence and decadence of Renaissance popes, or the easy consumer Christianity of modern America, God’s people struggle with understanding true riches. This is in part because we are not sure what purpose money and possessions are to serve.
Jesus suggests to his listeners that worldly wealth is merely a prelude to understanding and properly receiving true riches. What we possess all comes from God, because even the things that we have “earned” come to us from our intellect or strength or skills or wisdom or even shrewdness—and all of these appear through act of God our Creator to bring us into existence! God created you and me for His purpose, which means that the wealth we possess also comes to us for His purpose. Certainly, in part to provide for our needs (your Heavenly Father knows what you need) but also to provide for those under our care, and to be ready to be the neighbor for others.
As the Beloved Son of the Father, Jesus enters into this life and world that his riches might serve others and bring close to the Father those that are far off. You and I, who are of his family, have now inherited the family business.
May you live in Advent hope ~ Pr. Dave Brooks
--Quoted materials are from Behold the Child Daily Devotions #12-4563
© 2019 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission under license 20:12-1. www.cph.org