Friday, May 20th, 2005

This week, we are working on The Appropriate Use of Money, Unit 3

Focus Scripture for the Week: Acts 2:43:44

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together . . . they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Today's scripture: Matthew 19:16-26

- this scripture passage has another very powerful verse -- verse 22 -- "when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth". In one way, this section is telling the same story that one of our early passages did -- the one about the treasure in the field. In that scripture, someone sold all they had so that they could buy the field with the treasure, which was the kingdom of God. In both stories, it is about giving up what you have so that you can gain something more substantial from God.

-- Taking the young man at his word, note that he seemed to be a good man -- he kept all of the commandments, and he came seeking Jesus for even more information and guidance about how to live the life that God wanted him to. But in the spirit of being careful what you ask for, he asked for Jesus's direction and got it, but it wasn't happy with what Jesus told him. At the end of the day, there was a limit to what he was willing to do for God.

-- In the very first reading on page 32, Wesley is quoted as saying, (paraphrasing here) "God will ask, how did you use the worldly goods I blessed you with? You were supposed to take care of the reasonable needs of yourself and your family, and then give the remainder to me, through giving to the poor." In a way, Jesus asked the very same question of the rich young man, and he answered by lowering his head and sadly walking away.

-- In the spirit of the class, (LEAP stands for Learning through Experience, Application and Practice) - Wesley's mantra of "gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can" is as practical Christian advice as you can get. What do you do with that now?

Today's prayer request: Monica's nephew, Alex Lloyd

Alex is going to have a long-term presence on our list, due to the condition of his hip and the long term nature of his treatment

Today's class member prayer:

Melissa Herring

Have a great day, and see you on Sunday.