Scripture: Luke 16:1-4
Jesus also said to the disciples, “A certain rich man heard that his household manager was wasting his estate. He called the manager in and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give me a report of your administration because you can no longer serve as my manager.’ “The household manager said to himself, What will I do now that my master is firing me as his manager? I’m not strong enough to dig and too proud to beg. I know what I’ll do so that, when I am removed from my management position, people will welcome me into their houses.
Thought for the Day: I have heard this parable used for all kinds of things, including a warning in regard to wasting resources at work. I’m not suggesting Jesus was in favor of wasteful living. In fact, he seemed to fall into the camp that would be cautious in many areas, but in this case, the fired manager manipulated and used the accounts of the rich man. Strangely, he ended up being commended by the rich man for being clever. WHAT? On a literal level, I don’t want children hearing this parable. Basically Jesus applauded dishonesty and misrepresentation. Why do I believe that was not the point of the parable? Though Jesus surprised people often, I don’t believe he was about the business of encouraging manipulation as a response to wastefulness. The teachings of Jesus seemed to bounce back and forth between reclaiming tradition and recommending revolution, between creating calm and encouraging disorder, between virtue and scandal. In this case, Jesus announced a Gospel that was scandalous, even heresy to the ears of many. Today, the church doesn’t appear to be scandalous or subversive at all. In fact, I see the church upholding many institutions and structures that do not align themselves with the love, compassion and justice of Jesus.
Prayer: I don’t know if I’m ready for scandal, but I do wish to be a participant in your wave-making Gospel. Continue to push my understanding of faithfulness, Generous Lord, especially when it conflicts with those things that claim to be religious but are not very Christ-like. Amen.
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