Daily Readings - Fri Nov 08 2024
Philippians
17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.18For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Luke
1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our Christian journey. The first reading from Philippians urges us to stand firm in our faith, imitating the example of Paul and other faithful believers. Paul warns against those who are consumed by earthly desires, reminding us that our true citizenship is in heaven. The second reading, the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke, teaches us about prudence and wisdom in managing the resources entrusted to us. The steward, though unrighteous, acts shrewdly to secure his future, prompting Jesus to encourage us to be as clever in our spiritual lives as we are in worldly matters.
Both readings emphasize the importance of focus and wisdom. Paul cautions against being earthly-minded, while Jesus highlights the need for prudent use of resources. The steward’s actions, though morally questionable, illustrate the kind of foresight we should have in serving God. This connection reminds us that our earthly actions should reflect our heavenly aspirations. Just as the steward used his resources to gain favor, we should use our talents, time, and money to build eternal treasures.
In applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with an eternal perspective. We must be wise stewards of all that God has given us, using these gifts to glorify Him and serve others. Let us strive to be as intentional in our spiritual lives as we are in our worldly pursuits, ensuring that our actions today reflect our ultimate goal of heaven. By doing so, we embody the wisdom and faithfulness that both readings inspire, living as children of light in a world that often prioritizes the fleeting over the eternal.