October 03, 2019: SOAP #3591:  Ezra 5-6; Psalm 138; Luke 16

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Observation:   Jesus had just told a story about a rich man and the manager of his wealth.  The manager was about to get fired so, on behalf of the rich man, he went to people who owed his master money and accepted partial payment to be the full payment.  His hope was that those people would then give him a job after his present employment ended.

The master commends the manager for wisely using wealth to prepare a welcoming place for his future.

Then the “Wisest of All Financial Planners” (Jesus) instructs us to use wealth to gain friends who will welcome us into heaven after our earthly life is over.

Application:  Wise people learn how to manage their money.  Even wiser people invest their money to be available for their future.  But the wisest people invest their money to bring blessings in eternity!  May I be one of the later!

Prayer:   Lord, how foolish it would be to follow earthly financial planners and ignore what you have to say.  I set my heart to follow you.  I am convinced that you are the “Wisest Financial Planner.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!