From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Apr 11, 2024 at 5:51 AM

Subject: 4-11-24 THOUGHTS

4-11-24   THOUGHTS  

Please refer back to yesterday’s post. We looked at the same passage that is below.   I began a sermon after the post was completed.  I want this group to have the gist of that lesson.    The scenario in the parable below could have played out differently.  The man could have said to himself...   “I will establish a trust account and call it THE NEIGHBOR’S BARN”.  I will contribute to it on a regular basis, and use it for benevolence regularly and joyfully.  I will invite my friends to “find neighbors” and join my joy in this giving process!  Thank You Lord for the blessings that allow me to do this!”  WHEN WE SET GOD ON HIGH, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT!   I think of a section in Job.  (See below)    The above could be played out in many different Godly ways!

Luke 12:13-21    Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." 14  But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" 15  Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."  16  And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive.  17  "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’  18  "Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19  ‘And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."’ 20  "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21  "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself,  and is not rich toward God."
Job 31:16-23   "If I have kept the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17  Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the orphan has not shared it 18  (But from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And from infancy I guided her), 19  If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering,  20  If his loins have not thanked me, And if he has not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep, 21  If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate, 22  Let my shoulder fall from the socket, And my arm be broken off at the elbow. 23  "For calamity from God is a terror to me, And because of His majesty I can do nothing.”
[Barnes explains “I could not do it. I was so much awed by his majesty; I had such a veneration for him, that I could not be guilty of such an offence.”]

My Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Father God, from our awe of Your majesty, may our love work in the lives of those in need.  Help us to see pain and suffering and take action to do what we can. Remove our reticence to get involved.  May we be doers of the work, and not hearers only.  Teach us the joy of loving and of giving.  We want to be like You, O God.  Forgive our weaknesses, and give us a powerful spirit of teaching Jesus and Your grace and goodness.     In the name of Jesus,   Amen.