Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12: 33b-34
This text was part of our Gospel lesson just a few weeks ago. We have been reading through much of Luke’s Gospel throughout this summer. And we have been reminded about the heart of Jesus’ message in Luke 4 where he proclaims good news to the poor, freedom to the captives and oppressed, sight to the blind and a recurrent celebration of Jubilee. All of Luke’s ministry stories about Jesus relate back to this essential announcement.
Jesus is not shy about calling out the inequalities of the world around him and naming the economic responsibility for all who claim to be part of God’s beloved community.
As we approach our stewardship season in which we name our generosity and commitments to the church, this message is so helpful. It helps us see clearly what is most meaningful in our lives. Jesus is so good at flipping the script. You would expect him to say, “where your heart is, that’s where you’re going to put money.” And while this reversal of the Lukan quote would be true, Jesus puts a finer point on it by his reversal of logic. It is not a future looking statement. Jesus is saying you’ve already shown me what your care about through the ways you’ve made economic decisions. “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I think we could insert the word, “already” for “also.”
But, if this troubles you, remember that Jesus is always inviting us to take stock of and readjust our priorities. That is why there are so many stories about money in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus is asking those who are his followers to consider what God’s kin-dom of abundance looks like, especially in contrast to the world’s system of scarcity.
So, on September 18 we will begin a season of intentional conversations about our discipleship moving us toward Consecration Sunday on October 16. Throughout this season we will consider the question, “Where is your heart?” We will hear more stories from Luke’s Gospel challenging us to live lives of generosity. We will tell stories about our own First Church missions and ministries. I do hope they will tug at your heart. Because when our hearts are moved by the spirit, naturally all the other things fall into place.
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