September 29, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for September 29th: Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31 - Theme: The true riches of God Luke: All throughout the Hebrew Testament, there seems to be one underlying message that they are trying to get across to the people. God gives us resources in order to help others less fortunate than us, not to take care of ourselves. So now it seems that Jesus must tell that same message. A rich man has watched a poor man who stood outside his door and never helped. He never even looked at the man. When he dies, he is told that he should have helped the man. In death he realizes that there is nothing he can do to change, but that he can warn his family to do different. He is told that it is too late, we cannot go back and talk to our neighbors after death. God speaks to us through life, through church, through the bible, through other people. We need to listen and heed the warning while we can. 1 Timothy: This lesson just reinforces the lesson of the gospel. For us to pursue the true riches of God and not of this world. It can get easy for us to get caught up with keeping up with the Joneses. For is to measure our success in life by material wealth. But as Christians it is important for us to keep things in perspective. For us to realize that all that we have is a gift from God. God provides for our needs. God also reminds us constantly that the most important things in life money cannot buy – love, hope, truth, peace, wellbeing. All things that only come from God. We cannot help but to be a part of this life, we cannot help but to interact with the world. But we are to be reminded that there is always something more important. Our true reward is waiting for us in heaven. Questions: Who is it that you see everyday but you ignore? What lesson that you have learned would you pass on to the next generation? What are the most valuable things that you have in life? How does being a Christian affect how you live in the world?