What Jesus has to say to Christian Managers #2 - The resurrection and my money

One of the more exiting aspects of believing in the resurrected Lord Jesus is how it liberates us from the need to be successful, to tick all the boxes in the here and now.

Most people my age have heard of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".  Well, Jesus went further, and told a story about "Rich Man, Poor Man".

Luke 16:19-31 includes some amazing stories, but at its heart there is something deeply reflecting of God's character.

The "loser" in life, ends up winning.

In fact, apart from his smell, he was probably anonymous to most people too.  But not to God.

The existence of a resurrected life, means that there is now a different value on what we do here and now, and that includes what we do with our money, our priorities and our seeking of "good things".

(The rich man) called to him ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

But further, the wealth isn't the problem, his lack of repentance is.

‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

The resurrection makes a difference, but only if you are willing to listen.

“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Next time will be something a bit different - probably Jesus talking about making friends and influencing people.