Well, this is awkward–Scripture readings for the coming weekend remind me that I just may be too rich! Folks in developing nations often have to walk some distance for water; they have limited electricity and their homes are filled with smoke from the cooking fire. Closer to home, elderly and handicapped live in appalling situations. I sadly shake my head and drive on by… Was I more aware of God when I myself lived on honey and saltines, and drove an old beater with the floorboards rusting out?
Jeremiah, always at odds with the Establishment, spoke his message from house-arrest in Jerusalem during Nebuchadnezzer’s siege. Despite the hopelessness of the outlook, he exercised his right to buy a field from his cousin. 32:1-15 tells in detail how all the “normal” customs were observed in the transaction, and how the deeds were tucked away in an earthen pot to survive the impending destruction. Jeremiah has redeemed a portion of the land in the ultimate hope that “houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.” Riches and values evidently were ultimately considered to be in the hand of YHWH.
I appreciate the words written to Timothy (I 6:6-119), often ascribed to St. Paul: he speaks of godliness combined with contentment. Be OK with what you’ve got and do not covet, for “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”. Yet it’s the third part of the pericope which may be cutting-edge for you in North America–“As for those who in the present age ARE rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.”
Which brings us to the story of Lazarus (Eliazar) who couldn’t get any help from the rich guy at whose gates he lay (Luke 16:19-31). Ah, but when they were both dead, THEN the rich fella knew Lazarus’ name and wanted him to relieve his torture. Too late, you had your chance! The tales of Luke and lucre appear now and then as reversals, see Mary’s song of The Magnificat (Luke 1:46ff), then again in Acts 5. The rich man wasn’t evil; his sin was one of omission–he looked the other way. Father Abraham suggests that “stepping out of one’s privilege is perhaps one of the most difficult journeys of trans-formation. Two chapters ahead, Jesus will compare it to getting a camel through the Eye of the Needle.” (G. Penny Nixon, in FEASTING on the WORD, C 4:121)
OK, so I send my useless clothes to the Clothing Center, and support Shepherd’s Supper…I”m a bit of a fanatic about my weekly envelope to the church, and I give to UMCOR… Heifer International, FINCA, and many local charities receive my semi-annual contributions… I guess (in addition) I need an attitude adjustment. Shall I move into a neglected third-floor apartment downtown? Perhaps start doing my laundry in a laundromat? I suspect that what that fellow Lazarus who hangs out at the Library really needs is my friendship and conversation… Do I care more for my purse or my principles?
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My understanding of scripture assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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