Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 15 NIRV, Ch. 16 KJV

Associate Producer

Sister Ann, Anonymous, Michael Haner

Podcast Introduction

It’s Gospels Saturday. We’ll read Luke 15-16. I’m calling this episode “Planning For Eternity.”

Design: Jason Paschall | Photo: Midjourney

Comments on Luke 16:1-13

I don't remember ever hearing a sermon based on this parable. It requires some thought.

There are three basic players in the story. The main character is the steward. Of second importance is the debtors, and finally we have the rich man.

It seems that the steward, who worked for the rich man as the manager of his possessions or property, had wasted the rich man's goods. We don't have any details, but we are told that the rich man called the steward to account for how he had handled his responsibilities. And the rich man told him that his services would no longer be required.

So the steward, knowing that he needed to make other plans for his future, went to the debtors with a scheme. If he could make friends with them, he would be able to at least have a roof over his head. So he had the debtors rewrite what they owed to the rich man, with substantially less than the full amount. In doing this, they were now in debt to the steward, and he could collect on that with favors from them.

When the rich man found out, he complimented the steward for being so clever in making a new plan for himself.

So the lesson in this parable is this: We will all be called to account for what God has given us. How clever are we with the time, talent and resources He has entrusted to us? Do we put as much thought and effort into building the Kingdom of God as we do to building a cushy life for ourselves? Which is more representative of true riches? Which will last longer? A boat, a fancy car and a big house? Or a deep and abiding faith in God, and a life of serving Him? 

Don't misunderstand, beloved. One can be monetarily rich and still live a life in service to God. But with financial wealth comes great responsibility to use it for the Kingdom of God. When financial wealth becomes your primary motivation, God is no longer in the center of your life. As Jesus said in verse thirteen, "You cannot serve both God and money." 

Let's make it a point to see to it that when God calls us to account, we won't have to be ashamed and afraid like the steward was. Let's plan wisely for our eternal future.

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Steve Webb 0:00The steward, knowing that he needed to make other plans for his future, went to his debtors with a scheme.

Steve Webb 0:13It's the Lifespring! One Year Bible coming to you from Riverside, California and podcasting since 2004. I'm your OG Godcaster. Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we're reading through the entire Bible in a year. And over the years, I've also produced several other shows in the Lifespring family and podcasts. If you'd like to check them out there at Lifespring media.com, or music shows, interviews devotionals and others. Take a look. I am so Happy to be with you today. Thank you for inviting me along. Today is gospel Saturday, and our reading will be Luke 15 and 60. I'm calling this episode planning for eternity. Shall we get started with a word of prayer? Our Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for our time together today around your word. And we thank You, Father, for giving us your word. In it, you reveal yourself to us. We learn how loving you are, how much you care for us. I pray that as we read today, you would teach us touch our hearts.