This week I am doing something a little different. My sermon title is NOT complete and I am asking you how you would complete it. The first part of the title is “God Does Not Care…” and the scripture reading is from Mark 12:41-44 (the story of the widow’s mite). This story has always intrigued me and it leaves me wondering several things. First, tithing was an Old Testament “law” which required one to give one-tenth of the first-fruits of one’s labor. Sometimes today we try to skirt the issue of how much we are “required” to give. Are we to give 10% of what we make before taxes or after taxes? Are we required to give anything at all? Second, in the story of the “Rich Young Ruler,” Jesus wants all the young man has! In Matthew 19:16-22 you can read the story. A rich young man came to Jesus asking what was required to gain life eternal. After some clarification, Jesus simply said, “Sell all you have and give it to the poor. Then take up your cross and come follow me!” (v21 paraphrase mine!) At hearing this, it is written in the Greek text that “the young man’s face fell because he had many possessions!” Did Jesus want the young man to become poor? No—Jesus wanted the young man’s heart and Jesus knew that this young man’s god was worldly things, not spiritual things. Today, where is your heart? I can promise you one thing—IF your heart is right with God you will never ask how much money you should give, you will already know! Now, finish my sermon title and if you would like to share your thoughts with me, please feel free to email me at revbeason@gmail.com. Amen! Comments are closed.
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This blog consists of reflections written by the minister each week for the Sunday bulletin. We hope that you enjoy the musings! Archives
January 2020
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