Jim Wilson explores how we relate to our possessions in this lectionary reflection on Luke 14:33.

BECOMING A STEWARD OF PROVIDENCE

The 15^th Sunday after Pentecost C, Sept. 5, 2010 (green)

Jeremiah  18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, Philemon 1-21, Luke 14:25-33

“So therefore, none of you can become my disciple, if you do not give up all your possessions.” Luke 14:33  (NRSV)

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,

the world, and those who live in it” Psalm 24:1a

And here we are passing through

God’s creation,

enjoying the benefits thereof

marking off our boundaries

filing a claim on this parcel and that,

claiming as our very own

that which we stumbled upon

and will soon leave in our distant past

Along came Jesus,

caring not for his name on a deed,

or an account at the local bank,

garnering no interest in this company or that one,

content to be God’s child

living into the providence

proffered to all

as the source of all life

Mr. Jesus living therein so freely,

beholden to none,

able to speak truth from the very center of truth

fencing off no plot for his exclusive use,

calling all humanity to note

our dependency on the gifts of God

ordering our lives thereby

ultimate allegiance given only to God

“He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there;

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21

I have so many things to protect, so many things to call me for their tending, dare I live at their behest, I pray that I do not, and I pray for power to shake off their vestiges of bondage, becoming a steward of providence, rather than proprietor thereof.

Jim Wilson

Note: Jim Wilson is a retired United Methodist minister with a close connection to PTS.