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September 30, 2007 - 18th Sunday after Pentecost
“As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty,
or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in
good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure
of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that
really is life.”
-- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Last week we were reminded that money can be such a gift, yet it’s a gift
to be shared. When we have enough to pay our bills, have some fun, and give some away,
money can be such a blessing. Yet our current culture would have us believe that
the more money we have, the less vulnerable to pain we will be.
This first letter of Paul to Timothy teaches us that money can actually make us
spiritually vulnerable. The more we rely on money, the less we rely on God.
Our hopes are to be set not on riches which come and go so easily, but on God
“who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” With the riches God
gives to us we are to be generous and ready to share, so that one day everyone
will have what they need!
Who has shared their riches with you? To whom are you called to share
God’s blessings of riches today?
We pray: O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this
troubled world. Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes
only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost:
- Psalm 146
- Amos 6:1a,4-7
- 1 Timothy 6:6-19
- Luke 16:19-31
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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