THEME: Rooted in Christ through Stewardship
by Ward Irvin
We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee.” (LSB 781 “We Give Thee But Thine Own,” stanza 1 — William Walsham How, 1858)
DEVOTION:
In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974, a “Boomer” classic), Robert Pirsig describes the well-known and at least partly true “South Indian Monkey Trap.” A hollowed-out coconut is chained to a stake, with a hole just big enough for a monkey’s open hand. Rice is placed inside. The monkey reaches in and grabs a fistful, but the closed fist won’t fit back through the hole. When the hunter steps out of hiding, the monkey panics and tries to flee, but its hand is stuck fast. All it has to do is let go of the rice. It can’t. In that moment, the rice seems worth more than its freedom.
“Ha, ha, dumb monkey,” we think, as we drive our luxury car into our very expensive neighborhood, pull into the garage, and walk into our professionally decorated house. “Hey honey, is my man cave ready with my beer and chips? I’m going to binge-watch three seasons of Game of Thrones today!”
In Mark 10: 17 [ESV], a man runs up to Jesus, kneels, and asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” What a fantastic question! So much eagerness! Jesus points him to the commandments, and the man replies, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” Then: “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'” (Mark 10:21)
What a great story! Of course, the man saw his trap, realized his hand was stuck grasping material wealth, gave it all away in total faith and obedience, and followed Jesus for eternity!
No, sorry. “Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). The disciples’ reaction? “And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?'” (Mark 10:26). And Jesus’ response? “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God'” (Mark 10:27).
Are you caught in a monkey trap? There’s hope: the God who does the impossible can open even a clenched fist.
CATECHISM MEMORY:
The Eighth Commandment You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
READINGS for THIS WEEK:
Mon: Matt. 6:19-24 Tue: Luke 12:22-34 Wed: 2 Cor. 8:1-15 Thu: Prov. 11:24-31 Fri: 1 Chron. 29:10-18 Sat: Matt. 22:1-14
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & ACTIVITIES for the READINGS
- What do the readings teach you about stewardship and the “traps” of this world?
- Matt 6:19-21 seems backwards. Wouldn’t your money follow your heart? Why not? What is Jesus saying to you here?
- 1 Chronicles 29:14. God directs even our heartbeat. What can we give God that He hasn’t already given us?
- Decide on a ministry that you love. Choose a generous gift. Double it and give the money immediately!
- What questions do you have about the readings this week? (Write them down and share them with Pastor.)