Devotional Reading: Luke 5: 12-26

Text:  Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” (vss. 18-20, New Living Translation)

I was impressed by the men’s ingenuity and persistence. I suspect that Jesus was, too. A little later in Luke’s gospel Jesus told a troublesome parable about a dishonest steward–or employee.  The steward turned out to be the “hero” of the story, and Jesus told His disciples that needed to be a shrewd in Kingdom matters as the people of the “world” are in worldly matters. Note, Jesus did not commend the dishonesty but the leverage of assets.

We need to be as creative and determined in managing the assets that God has entrusted to us as we do Kingdom work. And we need to do this at all times. I believe that this is a part of what Jesus’ meant when He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).

We need to use the gray matter that God placed between our ears. And whatever we do or say, may it glorify God.

Lord, You have entrusted me with so much and so often I take Your gifts for granted. I see what abilities and opportunities that I don’t have and wish for them. Forgive me for discounting Your gifts in this way. Help me use entrusted to me so that as I go about my day so that I may honor you. Amen.