Day 301 – Luke 16-17

Talking Points

• Our God is great and is God over great things! He’s also God over the smallest of details. He cares about the tiny stuff of life, and He holds us to that same standard. God tells us that “he who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Notice the words “very little.” What we do with the insignificant, unnoticed things of life reveals the condition of our hearts and is a true indication of how we will respond with the big things.
• Jesus warned of the great lure of wealth and material gain. It is so strong it even competes with our love for God. Jesus made clear we cannot “serve God and wealth” (16:13). To “serve” means to be devoted or a slave to. A love for money will always detract from our love for God. With Him, there can be no dual allegiance.
• There is an abrupt warning for those who deliberately cause others to stumble in their Christian walks: a quick death would be the fitting fate for someone who would lead new believers to sin. God takes the care of those who are seeking to walk with Him seriously. False teachers, evildoers seeking company, and malicious snare-setters are properly warned.
• Stay humble! Jesus reminded an audience of proud, self-righteous Pharisees that even when a slave has done every last thing they were commanded, they are still just that — a slave.

Thoughts

What a treasure we have in the Word of God! It lights our path, guiding each step. It keeps us from harm, giving us wisdom. It teaches us of God and reveals our Savior. It is the voice of God speaking sweetly in our ear and resounding in our hearts. Yes, what a treasure!

So, why is it never enough?

Really, it’s pretty crazy. We search for something more than the graciously given Word of God. Maybe a sign? Perhaps a confirming experience would be enough? Or, what about some additional information — a fresh word in the form of a vision or new deep teaching? Surely there is an expert who can give us something better.

Just like the rich man in Jesus’ story, we also have the words of “Moses and the Prophets” (Luke 17:29). Even more, we have words of the Apostles and of Jesus Himself. May we be sure of what we have in our Bibles. May we not be like the generation who wouldn’t listen, always looking for something else. What a treasure we have in the Word of God!