There
are many stories in Scripture that might need an upgrade to understand why
Jesus told the story. This past Sunday, we learn about a rich man who goes on a
journey and who entrusted his possessions to his servants. Take note this
master is not a God figure. After the master praises
the
financial effort of two servants who double his money, his words to the third
servant who buried his money and earned no interest was the remark: "Throw
this useless servant into the darkness outside...." The master’s actions
hardly fit the image of the merciful God Jesus has been proclaiming.
Jesus’
world wasn’t like our capitalistic system that increases wealth by investment.
Jesus’ contemporaries had a different perspective. For them, the world had only
limited goods and wealth. If someone increased their wealth they were, in effect,
“stealing from another.” A peasant strived to have enough to care for his
family and that was enough. So, the people we often admire for their success
and wealth would have been considered wicked thieves among Jesus’ hearers,
taking from the limited supply of the world’s resources.
In the
light of this new upgrade in our understanding, who then might be the admirable
figure in the parable? Not the master, nor the two servants, but the third who
did not cooperate with his master’s greedy ventures, His actions were punished
as are those people who oppose the unjust and powerful who make profits at the
expense of the poor.
When
the Lord comes with judgment do we fear that we will be thrown out into the
darkness? Are we playing it cautious in our service to the Lord? Do we fear
failure and do not take the chances our discipleship requires? It seems the
parable encourages bold, even risky action.
I
shared with my photography mentor that for every 1,000 shots, I edit down to
the best 10 images. I discovered that with the proper tools and upgraded
software I can take these ten images and make them stunning!
So how
do we make our spiritual life more stunning? I suggest that we upgrade and take
a lesson to become bolder and take the risks.
The Lords prays for us
as we reflect: “Be
strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you
or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Lord, I pray for all my
Sonshine Friends that serve in their faith communities. Give them the courage
to speak out against injustice and boldly proclaim the message of acceptance
and understanding.
