In Sunday's class, we were presented with a question from Lk. 16:1-12 that we were not able to answer.
Why was this steward commended by the Lord?
I do not as yet have a solid answer, but these thoughts from Matthew Henry, may shed some light.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD. 16:1-12
Whatever we have, the property of it is God's; we have only the use of it, according to the direction of our great Lord, and for his honour. This steward wasted his lord's goods. And we are all liable to the same charge; we have not made due improvement of what God has trusted us with. The steward cannot deny it; he must make up his accounts, and be gone. This may teach us that death will come, and deprive us of the opportunities we now have. The steward will make friends of his lord's debtors or tenants, by striking off a considerable part of their debt to his lord. The lord referred to in this parable commended not the fraud, but the policy of the steward. In that respect alone is it so noticed. Worldly men, in the choice of their object, are foolish; but in their activity, and perseverance, they are often wiser than believers. The unjust steward is not set before us as an example in cheating his master, or to justify any dishonesty, but to point out the careful ways of worldly men. It would be well if the children of light would learn wisdom from the men of the world, and would as earnestly pursue their better object. The true riches signify spiritual blessings; and if a man spends upon himself, or hoards up what God has trusted to him, as to outward things, what evidence can he have, that he is an heir of God through Christ? The riches of this world are deceitful and uncertain. Let us be convinced that those are truly rich, and very rich, who are rich in faith, and rich toward God, rich in Christ, in the promises; let us then lay up our treasure in heaven, and expect our portion from thence. —Matthew Henry Concise
Monday, February 11, 2008
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4 comments:
she knows when the lion with the mane is following her. gracie
john 16:13-15, my initial read through left me totally confused. I decided not to just close the book and walk away as I have in the past. This time I did some cross-referencing it, noted some comments, prayed and reread it and finally gained some insight into it. The "spirit of truth will guide you into all truth.." We must read the scripture and ask the HS to give us understanding of the truth in it. gracie
I love how this commentary put it: "Those are truly rich, who are rich in faith, toward God, in Christ, and in the promises; let us then lay up our treasure in heaven, and expect our portion from there." I've learned the most wisdom from those who know God is the source for all their needs~in Spirit, Soul and Body.
I found it much easier to understand when I replaced the word "shrewd" with the word "wise."
Jesus said, "Be as shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves."
When trying to understand more difficult texts, I try to read other "easier to understand" texts to illuminate my path.
Jesus would never commend a person being "evil" or "wicked." That would go against His nature.
I am going with "wise."
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