June 19, 2014 Priority

Priority

Matthew 8:30-32 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.” 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.

THE demons begged, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” so they can destroy the swine. The demons’ seem to be plotting to discredit Jesus. As the pigs’ owners lost their source of income, they could point to Jesus, “He killed the pigs!” Perhaps such agitation would cancel Jesus’ preaching on this mission to the Gentiles, who own the pigs.

     Jesus, though, saves the men and tests the Gentiles. Will they see the pigs as an economic sacrifice for the good of the two men? Or will they blame Jesus for their income loss, considering the men’s healing a waste? Concern about men’s souls diminishes when the cost rises.

      The Spirit of God still brings us into such tests today.  Often church ministries are dismissed or put on the back burner because of finances. You’ve heard it, “Who will pay for this? The budget’s short. What’s a tithe?”

     I know this subject irritates people more than any other, but that’s because we worship money way too much.  As we call on Jesus as Lord, he calls us to trust our money with him. He gave it to us, and he only wants a little bit back. Are we willing to put souls above our dollars?

LIFE Link: Jesus paid it all for you, you know.