October 01, 2018: SOAP #3224:  Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 14:12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Observation:  If we invite people to our party who are able to invite us to their parties, they MAY invite us to theirs.  There is a possibility that we might be repaid.

But when we invite those who have no means of inviting us to a party, FOR SURE we WILL BE BLESSED—and FOR SURE we WILL BE REPAID when we get to heaven.  It may be a delayed return on our investment, but it is a guaranteed return!

Application:  To invest for future return in this life seems logical when my mind is controlled by the world’s economic system.  But to overlook investments that have eternal returns is completely foolish!  I have God’s promise to meet my needs in this life.  It is my privilege and joy to invest in God’s kingdom for an eternal return.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, investing is important to You!  Thank you for the privilege of making deposits in the bank of heaven.  When I give to those who cannot repay me, I am assured of your blessing and future return.  Holy Spirit, help me not to be short-sighted with the money you provide.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!