Please read Luke 19:11-27.
Immediately following the story of Zacchaeus, and intimately connected, is the parable of the ten pounds. Jesus talks A LOT about money, a fact that shouldn’t be lost on us. If you have ever sat down with a financial planner you know that they will always ask about your “risk tolerance.” When it comes to finances, my “risk tolerance” is about zero. What if we lose it all? What if we have no safety net? What if something bad happens and we can’t pay the bill?
In this parable the one who is praised is the one who takes some risks, multiplying what was entrusted to him, and the one who is condemned is the one who hid his resource, doing nothing with it. I don’t think this parable is meant to be a guide to financial planning but I do think it is meant to tell us something about taking risks for the sake of expanding the kingdom of God.
We have been given gifts of compassion, service, listening, teaching, comforting, challenging, and advocating. If we hide these gifts nothing happens for the good of the kingdom of God. If we use these gifts we partner with the Holy Spirit to spread the grace, mercy, and justice of God to more people and more places. Is it risky? Probably. You might feel foolish, you might be rejected, you might be uncomfortable. That’s ok. The goal isn’t to be comfortable. The goal, as Jesus shows us, is to liberate, open eyes, and proclaim good news. What risks are you willing to take?
In Peace, Pastor Ruth
Let us pray:
We are turning, Lord, to hear you, see you, and know you. You are merciful and kind, slow to anger, rich in blessings. With every twist and turn, lead our steps back to your grace and your mercy. Lead us in your ways of new life, forgiveness, and re-creation. We pray in the name of Christ, the one who reveals your love, Amen.