Where Heaven and Earth Collide

S - "Jesus was in the town of Bethany, eating at the home of Simon, who had leprosy. A woman came in with a bottle of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' head. But when his followers saw this, they became angry and complained, “Why such a waste? We could have sold this perfume for a lot of money and given it to the poor.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. You will always have the poor with you, but you won't always have me. She has poured perfume on my body to prepare it for burial. You may be sure that wherever the good news is told all over the world, people will remember what she has done. And they will tell others.” Matthew 26 TS

O - The stewardship of earth and the stewardship of God's Kingdom collide in this story.  Well intended people, even people who follow and love Jesus, find themselves subject to a mistaken priority.  Earth thinks efficiency is the critical element in the use of recourses and heaven doesn't.  The Kingdom of God is not primarily efficient because it's a Kingdom of love; and love is not primarily efficient. "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has confidence in him will have eternal life."       

A - Logical thinking isn't necessarily right thinking according to Jesus. There is no situation more vulnerable to this dynamic than stewardship. Earth's logic begins and ends with the bottom line. Heaven's logic always begins and ends with people. Earth thinks the proof of good financial stewardship is more finances. God's Kingdom thinks the proof of good financial stewardship is more friends (Luke 16:9-13). Earth thinks you need to steward your money in a godly way.  Heaven thinks all the money is already the Lord's and he wants us to use it his way. When it comes to money and stewardship, I'll live and give the way Jesus instructs.  His caution is essential in every circumstance: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." (Matthew 6:24). No one means everyone …  I accept the right thinking and stewardship of Jesus!

P - Jesus,

Thank you for calling us and helping us to change our thinking about everything because you and your kingdom are near.  I want to live and to give as you intend … unto friendships galore and relationship sublime.  You are amazing every day and in every way.

All to you,

Steve