Luke 16  The next parable that Jesus teaches His disciples is about the rich man with the "unrighteous steward". This steward was accused of "squandering"  the possessions of the rich boss.  The boss called in the steward and asked for an accounting before being let go from his position. The steward quickly made a plan for his own future. He called in those who were in debt to the master and forgave some of what they owed. His hope was that they would help him out after he lost his job.  The master "praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly".  

Was Jesus using this example to glorify the wisdom or shrewdness of the servant?  No.. He clarified His point to this disciples.. " And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness that when it fails, they may receive you into eternal dwellings."  And it will fail.  Worldly "mammon" .. riches, treasures, money.. have a usefulness.. but it is nothing in the light of eternity. Jesus illustrates this truth with the story of the rich man and Lazarus. When they both died it is the poor man, Lazarus who suffered in this life.. who rests in paradise at the side of Abraham.  It is the man who had more treasures than he ever needed who suffered greatly in the fire of Hades. 

Jesus taught that we cannot serve two masters.  We cannot pursue and serve riches and serve God at the same time. If God is not first.. we are not His.  The Pharisees "who were lovers of money".. scoffed.  Jesus  warned them once again that God knew their hearts. They justified themselves but that did not mean that they were justified before God.  They manipulated even the Law that they claimed to love and obey.. to justify their own sinfulness.  They called divorce a good thing.. but Jesus called it adultery.  They were ignorant of the Truth of God's Word. 

The rich man considered himself blessed.. until he found himself in Hades. What do we need to learn from this?  Are we being wise and faithful with what God has given to us?  Jesus said, " he who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very  little thing is unrighteous also in much."  Are we faithful to use what belongs to God for His glory?  Not just worldly goods, but spiritual treasures too?  Jesus will address this again in the parable of the talents. It is something He really wants us to hear! 

Lord, open our ears and eyes to see Your wonderful works and to know Your will in all things. Fill us, Spirit of God, that we might be faithful in the little and in the great.. in all that You have provided.. for we want to glorify You in every good work. Come, Lord Jesus, and cleanse our hearts from all unfaithfulness ... we surrender all to you..  as we pray in Your Name..  uniting our hearts with Yours. Amen.