Day 29: Luke 14-16

As usual, I am nearly overwhelmed by all of the things stated in these three chapters. I'm torn in two directions this morning, between the story of the prodigal son and that of the shrewd manager. My thoughts on each don't really tie together neatly, but I think I will comment on both.

First off is the unusual story of the shrew manager found at the beginning of chapter 16. I'm always intrigued when a "bad" example is given to make a positive point (such as God being compared to the unjust judge in Luke 18). I think the point of the story is this: the shrewd manager took what was in front of him and leveraged it for what would be best down the road. He knew the situation he was in was fleeting and would soon be gone. He couldn't keep what he had, but he could translate it into future blessings.

While the cheating methods of the manager are not commendable, the idea behind them is. In the same way, we live in a world that is fleeting and will not last. We also manage someone else's resources and would be wise to use them in a way that is most beneficial for eternity. So rather than seeing how all that I have could be used for my own benefit, I should seek God's will and ask how they can best be used for His eternal plans! I once read that everything we own is either an idol or a tool. I pray you view everything in your possession as a tool to be used for God's Kingdom and glory. As Jim Elliot is oft quoted as saying, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Switching gears, I've been blessed many times by the story of the prodigal son. I personally find it to be the best picture of repentance in the Bible. After living a life of sin, the son "comes to his senses" and sees the folly of his ways. He owns up to what he has done rather than lay the blame at anyone else's feet. He realizes he must get up and leave that lifestyle and so he sets his face toward his father. He knows he has no right to demand anything from his father but can only confess his sin and throw himself at his father's mercy.

In the same way, we all must come to God in this manner. There is an owning up to our sin and a turning away from it. We come to God not in our own merits but rather relying on His mercy. And when we come in this repentant, heart-broken manner, look at how God responds! He doesn't throw it in our faces but rather throws His arms around us! He is scandalously ready to forgive!

I am so thankful that God has received me in this manner!! That I can come to Him on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus rather than my own, which is nothing more than filthy rags. What a glorious God we serve! I pray that you bask in the glory of that forgiveness today and that it motivates you to live a life of thanksgiving unto Him!