Pastor Barry Braun

Sunday, July 18, 2010

A newly married man asked his wife, “Would you have married me if my father hadn’t left me a fortune?” “Honey,” the woman replies sweetly, “I would have married you no matter who left you a fortune.” Money is a tricky topic. Maybe it is because some people have talked about money in a way that makes us feel uncomfortable.

The two main subjects that Jesus speaks about are the kingdom of God and money. So it is hard to avoid the subject when you are looking at Matthew 18-23 for your summer series and there’s a story about money. It is found in Matthew 19:16-30. The title is, “The Rich Young Man.”

I have been studying this story from Jesus during the week and everywhere I turn to get some insights from commentaries or biblical scholars, the subject always points back to money and possessions. I was comfortable speaking about salvation and works. The rich man tried to do enough good things so that he would get into heaven. But he did say, “What do I still lack?” Then Jesus told him he should release all of his possessions and give money to the poor. Why did Jesus have to say that? He could have said, “You can never be good enough and you must surrender to me in faith and I will lead you to eternal life.” But Jesus pointed out that a very huge obstacle to people really feeling a need for Jesus is our dependence on money. It is how we view our status. The most valuable people are the ones who have lots of “stuff.”

It’s dangerous to suggest that money will be a part of the teaching this Sunday. We don’t want to look at stuff that might expose us. But if you are eager to be in connection with Christ and want to learn more about his heartbeat for treasures now verses treasures in heaven, you will run to church this Sunday. Maybe by then I will have this teaching sorted out a little better. In the meantime, the call of God is ringing out for you to worship him, be together with others and learn from his Word.

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