4 Mar- Luke 16

Today we’re reading Luke 16. Here are some thoughts:

1. In the opening verses of this chapter we read a story Jesus told about being responsible with what you’ve been entrusted with. The point of this story is that we are to leverage our talents and things we have in life to spread the good news that God loves people and wants a relationship with them.
2. Isn’t it interesting that in verse 16 we read that people were so drawn to the teachings of Jesus that they were “forcing their way into it.” It should make us want to live our lives in such a way that people will want to do the same today. Sadly though the opposite is usually true (even for me); often people who call themselves Christians live in such a way that no one wants to be “like them.” If that's been your experience I'm sorry and I hope you won't let a few idiots prevent you from experiencing God's love in your life.
3. The last section of this chapter is kind of strange; clearly it’s about a rich guy who doesn’t show compassion to a beggar named Lazarus and in the afterlife he is separated from God, then we read a conversation he has with a guy named Abraham. Abraham is probably the most respected ancestor of the Jewish people. Scholars debate the nuances of this story but one thing that is irrefutable is the spiritual truth that we should help people whom we are able to help.

This entire chapter can be summed up in two words; Love People. Have you noticed a common thread in the teachings of Jesus? He wants us to love people. In fact, Jesus told his followers that one way people would know they were his followers would be the love they have for one another.  

Is your life characterized by your love for other people? Is it marked by how much you want to serve others? Sometimes it can be difficult to think of ways to start serving other people. Maybe serving at a nonprofit will help you start to live a life where you naturally want to help other people more. You never know, it could change your life.