“‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Luke 19:26, ESV
The parable Jesus tells of the ten minas is a difficult one, yet it is a reminder of how we should be when it comes to our Lord. For modern Christians, the thought of an angry God that desires to punish you is not as common. I remember growing up and hearing criticism of some older preachers that would preach “fire and brimstone.” I don’t know what the messages sounded like, but I have read some older sermons that do get a little fiery as they remind people of their need for repentance. If someone left feeling that they were just a hopeless sinner and are fearful for their souls, I believe that the message given was problematic. Sadly, some of the sermons preached are often less Gospel-driven, but more centered on self-esteem and feeling good with Jesus inserted as the warm friend with open arms prepared to give you a hug, which is also problematic. Jesus taught this message and also highlighted in the end that there would be destruction for those that were found enemies of God. As Lutheran’s, our messages are to be Law and Gospel oriented. We are meant to be reminded of our sin and our need for a Savior. God doesn’t love us because we are perfect and He doesn’t love our sin. He desires to free us from sin and bring us to Himself. There is no saccharine in the Gospel, but a pure hope for one that is hopeless without the love of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ. Nothing in this world is truly ours, but it is all God’s and we are called to be good stewards of all that He has. In the past, the harsh God would have been more understood as opposed to the Buddy Jesus image that many seem to think of today. What Jesus taught was for us to be reliant on Him and seek to use all that He has given to us to bring glory to His name. It is His glory we seek and in His glory we find our salvation.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.