Day #259: Luke 16:16-18

Luke 16:16-18 (NIV)
16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.
17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
18 "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

The Good News of the Kingdom of God was not a new system but the culmination of the old. Jesus had just made the point that his coming fulfilled the law and the prophets. That did not mean, however, that the law was no longer valid. In fact, in many cases, Jesus took the law and required even higher standards for those who would follow him (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-35, 38-39, 43-44).

Divorce was a hot topic of debate. Stricter than any of the then-current schools of thought, Jesus’ teachings shocked his hearers (see Matthew 19:10), just as they shake today’s readers. Jesus stated in no uncertain terms that marriage is a lifetime commitment, and he explained that divorce dissolves a divinely formed union. He also explained that marriage after divorce is adultery. (Matthew 19:9 gives one exception: marital unfaithfulness.)

While the application of Jesus’ words requires interpretation to specific situations, one truth is inescapable: God created marriage to be a sacred, permanent union and partnership between husband and wife. Anyone who takes this lightly forgets God’s law and his plan for marriage from the very beginning.

Through this statement about divorce, Jesus was showing the unbelieving religious leaders that his words do not violate the law. He also wanted to point out to them their hypocrisy in attempting to keep the letter of the law while failing to fulfill its moral obligations.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Matthew 6:20-21 says, "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

How do you lay up treasure in heaven? By investing it in people who are going there. The purpose of giving, he says, is to reach other people -- as many as you can --

Folks that is what we are all about here at Church of the Valley. We are not trying to see how much money we can save and put into interest bearing accounts. We are not about building great cathedrals or monasteries. We are not about trying to be cool or clever or chick’. We are about changed lives. I promise you that everything we do here related to finances will be about trying to win people to Christ. To build and train them and send them for Christ! The Nehemiah project – were we just trying to beautify the campus? NO WAY! We are getting it ready for unbelievers! Your investment into the work here at COV will result in huge dividends in heaven.

Depending upon the outcome of the stewardship commitment cards from this coming Sunday and the faith of our leadership, it will determine what we get to do this next year to build the kingdom. I want you to dream a bit with me.

Another pastor here at COV to help meet the needs of our growing congregation. 2-3 more interns to meet the needs of our children and students and maybe start investing in our first missionary that we will one day send out to take the gospel to people you will never meet.

Imagine a soccer field in the back of COV. Some say why a soccer field. The city does not have enough fields, so truly, if we build it they will come guys. Imagine a building expansion on our campus to meet the classroom requirements we desperately need now. Imagine a day care and a pre-school here at COV. Imagine community evangelism events here at COV. Imagine day camps for kids, summer camps, short term missions trips, expanded VBS and music programs.

I asked the staff what they could imagine if money were not a barrier. He said a redesigned sanctuary to meet the needs of the community. A new sound system. Baffling for the walls, expand the lighting system for plays and musicals. DO YOU GET THE IDEA?

Step out in faith. I love you guys.