Luke 12:32-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:32-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Verse 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Verse 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Verse 35"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; Verse 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Verse 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. Verse 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. Verse 39"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. Verse 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
Devotion
Jesus follows the promise with some instructions about life in our relationship as children of God. We are not to put our trust in material things, we are to share our wealth with those with less. The focus of our trust, our “treasure,” will be where we find our heart’s focus. If we find our security in money or possessions, or focus our lives on work, success, or pleasure to the exclusion of taking time for our relationship with God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we risk walking away from God’s steadfast love for us. God gifts us with faith, hope, and love, declaring us as righteous in his sight. God promises to help us to live a life that is “sedeq”—righteous—living as God intends us to live. In living in this relationship God intends for us, we experience God’s gifts and the blessings of the Spirit. Even when we face life’s challenges and fears, God is there to sustain us with God’s love. This is God’s promise.
Prayer
God of Promise and Hope, keep us mindful of our relationship to you and help us in our daily walk of faith. Fill our hearts and minds with your Spirit’s guidance and direct our deeds as we put our faith and trust in You. In the Christ’s name we pray. Amen.