09/25/22
16th Sunday after Pentecost – Luke 16:19-31
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
The rich man ignores the person in need who is at the gate to his home. The prophets declared God’s desire that those who “have” are to care for those who “have not.” Moses even gave them the commandment to execute justice for the orphan and widow and love the strangers (Deuteronomy 10:18-19).
Stewardship in our community
There is great separation between the “haves” and “have nots.” The “haves” lock out, drive past, look the other way, hang tight to their resources, and speak against the stranger. That is earthly kingdom behavior. God’s kingdom behavior is the opposite; seeking equity for the oppressed, lifting up the downtrodden, welcoming the stranger, and loving the neglected.
Stewardship in practice
Instead of arguing about laws and how the government should execute justice for the poor, widows and orphans, we Christians are called to implement that justice. We are to see those in need and then serve God by caring for them. Martin Luther reminds us that “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” Now, get busy being Christ to those in need.
