Word@Work Luke204 - Luke 12:13-15
Published: Mon, 10/04/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SELFISH DEMAND FOR JUSTICE
Luke 12:13-15 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (NIV)
Many families have been divided over money. On this occasion, a man who had been unfairly cheated out of his inheritance appealed to Jesus to make his greedy brother share the money or land. But Jesus refused. It was not His job to be a judge because He had come to be a Saviour; and this complaining man was in greater danger than he realised. "It is you who needs to watch out", Jesus said, "Your life is not measured by what you possess"!
The man may have expected sympathy but instead he got a rebuke. Although he claimed that his brother had been greedy, selfishness ran in the family. In appealing for justice he was also displaying his own covetousness. Loving families are governed by giving to each other: when demands and complaints take over, the essence of family life is lost. Jesus' comments were also intended for the trainee apostles as a guide to how Christians should relate together in God's family. Apparent unfairness would be evident everywhere and believers should be taught to give wherever they can to relieve the suffering of another's injustice; but the sort of bitterness which demands personal 'justice' is really a mask for selfish greed, and is out of order in God's family.
Men and women of faith are characterised by giving; not getting their own way and legalistically demanding their rights. True-hearted believers are content with what they have, while trusting God and fervently praying that He will deliver them (Luke 18:1-8). Jesus demonstrated that in His own response to evil people. Injustice is always a bad personal insult and yet it's potential to provoke our greedy hearts to sin makes it a double enemy. The devil uses these feelings to tempt us into believing that God does not care and that we must use our own initiative to get what we think is fair. Proverbs 15:16 says, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Jesus' warning to this man has become an important caution for every Christian. So wherever injustice rears its head (in the family, church or at work), recognise the temptation which will travel with it and place it before the Lord. He has the love and power to do what is right for you and those you love. Trust Him!
Prayer: Sovereign Lord. Thank You for understanding the pain of injustice and for the encouraging example of Jesus who suffered even though He had done nothing wrong. Help me to place my trust in You as the Apostles did when they were persecuted; and help me to recognise when my grievances become the devil's opportunity to tempt me away from trusting You. Please forgive me when I have fallen to those temptations and fought for my rights rather than praying and waiting for Your righteous action. Help me to give to people in need and to relieve the suffering of others, while learning to cast all of my own cares upon You because I know You care for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Many families have been divided over money. On this occasion, a man who had been unfairly cheated out of his inheritance appealed to Jesus to make his greedy brother share the money or land. But Jesus refused. It was not His job to be a judge because He had come to be a Saviour; and this complaining man was in greater danger than he realised. "It is you who needs to watch out", Jesus said, "Your life is not measured by what you possess"!
The man may have expected sympathy but instead he got a rebuke. Although he claimed that his brother had been greedy, selfishness ran in the family. In appealing for justice he was also displaying his own covetousness. Loving families are governed by giving to each other: when demands and complaints take over, the essence of family life is lost. Jesus' comments were also intended for the trainee apostles as a guide to how Christians should relate together in God's family. Apparent unfairness would be evident everywhere and believers should be taught to give wherever they can to relieve the suffering of another's injustice; but the sort of bitterness which demands personal 'justice' is really a mask for selfish greed, and is out of order in God's family.
Men and women of faith are characterised by giving; not getting their own way and legalistically demanding their rights. True-hearted believers are content with what they have, while trusting God and fervently praying that He will deliver them (Luke 18:1-8). Jesus demonstrated that in His own response to evil people. Injustice is always a bad personal insult and yet it's potential to provoke our greedy hearts to sin makes it a double enemy. The devil uses these feelings to tempt us into believing that God does not care and that we must use our own initiative to get what we think is fair. Proverbs 15:16 says, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Jesus' warning to this man has become an important caution for every Christian. So wherever injustice rears its head (in the family, church or at work), recognise the temptation which will travel with it and place it before the Lord. He has the love and power to do what is right for you and those you love. Trust Him!
Prayer: Sovereign Lord. Thank You for understanding the pain of injustice and for the encouraging example of Jesus who suffered even though He had done nothing wrong. Help me to place my trust in You as the Apostles did when they were persecuted; and help me to recognise when my grievances become the devil's opportunity to tempt me away from trusting You. Please forgive me when I have fallen to those temptations and fought for my rights rather than praying and waiting for Your righteous action. Help me to give to people in need and to relieve the suffering of others, while learning to cast all of my own cares upon You because I know You care for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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