Sept 23, 2001

Pastor Ole Amund Gillebo

Gospel Luke 16:1-13 Use of Possessions.

Why are there so many conflicts in the world?

Peace research scholars talk about social injustice as one of the main reasons.

We were five brothers at home. If it happened that one had the feeling that he did not have the same opportunity or was left behind, this created a discussion or a conflict.

The world’s wealth is distributed in an injust manner. The wealthy hold the power and oppress the poor. This is simplified. But this was very much the case at the time of Amos. He was himself a poor shepherd whom God called to give a speech because of the social injustice at that time and the oppression. This took place in the 8^th century B. C.

Today we learned from the OT reading:

"Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, We will make the ephah small and the shekel great and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals-.

The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob; Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. Shall not the land tremble on this account, and everyone mourn who lives on it-? On that day, says the Lord God, I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight." Amos 4.

Amos the prophet reminds the people and the leaders of the nation that God the Creator is the Lord of the history and he is the one who will judge the world and offer salvation as well. The human being is His servant. As His creation men are responsible to the Creator.

The same message is conveyed in today’s Gospel about the wise steward.

A steward, entrusted with his master’s estate and accounts, was suspected of mismanaging his affairs. When he realized that he was in danger of dismissal, he summoned his master’s debtors and allowed each one of them to lower his debt. The steward hoped for their help when he was out of job. He acted with prudence to save his future.

How can we understand the parable about "the prudent steward"? May be we should use the word "the dishonest steward"?

It is not the dishonest that is commended but the fact that he cares about his situation and his future.

The parable may simply urge men to prepare for the crisis brought about by the ministry of Jesus? Men facing an uncertain future are challenged to stand with the same zeal as the manager.

The employer commends the manager, not for his immoral behavior, but because he looked ahead and tried to use possessions in his care to prepare for his future. Jesus remarks that the people of the world are more shrewd in this than the "people of light".

The money-loving Pharisees who hear the story sneer. Love of money means devotion to one of this world’s idols and conflicts with love of God. Like the dishonest manager, his hearers should at least have sense enough to look ahead, beyond the present, and use possessions to prepare for the eternity that waits for them.

The parable underlines 4 points for us to be aware of.

1. The children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light!
2. Make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
3. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
4. No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve God and wealth.

We are all managers or stewards who are called to account for what we are doing or not doing. Life is a gift from the Creator. And life is a duty and responsibility as well. We are called to use our life and our possessions to the benefit of ourselves and of our fellow human beings.

Do you have anything that is not a gift to you?

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." James 1:17

After the Offering we usually pray; "Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us-our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord."

There is something of greater value and greater meaning. It is a different source to have deeper life; Our Father, who art in heaven, your will be done, your Kingdom come! The Children of light are children of the world to come!

Amen.

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716