Single Devotion Required!
You may have noticed that our devotion texts for the past months have dealt with a reminder that Jesus is the one thing needed. When the Holy Spirit was directing Luke’s research for writing the Gospel, he was directed to put this important instruction that Jesus gave about the meaning of discipleship in the Gospel.
Today’s verse is the conclusion of a parable that Jesus taught entitled “The Shrewd Manager.” Although it looks like Jesus is commending a crook, he is pointing out that truth that single devotion is required in following him.
Luke uses the word mammon. It is an Aramaic word that was transliterated in the Greek. It refers to worldly wealth. Often that term is even personified. That is what Jesus is doing here. He sets up the premise of two masters: God and mammon.
The master, mammon, has a strong appeal. It offers security, pleasure and comfort. It gives the false assurance that it is all we need. It deludes us into thinking that it alone can secure happiness. Because of its strong hold in our hearts, it always remains a deceiving master.
Look to the other master. Remember that the Lord is the Creator of the earth. He shows his love in how he cares and provides for his creation. When his creation rebelled against him, he promised and sent his Son, Jesus. God’s Word tells us that this world is not all there is. He has made us to live with him forever. By faith in Jesus we take hold of that heritage.
Lord Jesus, thanks for the eternal gift that you have provided. Keep us in that saving faith and enable us to serve you Amen.