Money, Money, Money

March 13, 2013

Opening Hymns:
181 Ye Servants of God http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh181.sht

Scripture Reading:
John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expansive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Message:
Thinking of how to spend, save and give away money can sometimes make my head spin. There are so many good causes that I long to give money to. There are so many fundraisers that I would love to be a part of. However, if I gave to all the organizations that I wanted to give to… I wouldn’t have enough money to support myself. I also wouldn’t have enough money to give gifts to my friends to brighten up their day. What we spend our money on is not always black and white.

In the scripture for today Jesus is given a precious gift from a dear friend. This gift was part of God’s plan for Jesus. When Jesus rebukes Judas, he is not saying that we shouldn’t give to the poor. Instead, He is recognizing the kind gift that was given to him before his death… stating “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Where does our money go? It puts food on our tables, clothing in our closets, warmth in our homes, and knowledge in our heads… sometimes we are able to bless others with food, clothing, and warmth. There is no chart telling us what percent of our money should go where. Taxes take some, and we are to tithe 10% of our income, but there are a lot of decisions that we can make. There is a big grey area… but I will say this, as long as we are spending our money on things that are uplifting, supportive, and kind… I think the money is going to a good cause.

Time of Prayer
Dearest Lord, thank you for Your kind gift of life. Thank you for all the beautiful things that You have given to each of us. Guide us as we give. Help our gifts add beauty and love to a world that is full of need. Though small, may our gifts make a big impact to those we touch. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
568 Christ for the World We Sing http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh568.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God