Luke 2:24 … and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Here we have definitive proof that Mary and Joseph weren’t wealthy, because this sacrifice was specified in Leviticus for those who couldn’t afford a lamb. This strikes me as very interesting, because Jesus Himself was the Lamb of God! This brings to mind Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians that Jesus, though the Owner of the universe, became literally poor for our sakes. (2 Corinthians 8:9) We give lip service to the idea of Jesus having humbled Himself, as Paul expounded on in Philippians 2, but we don’t think very much about all that meant. I think the most important thing is to realize that material wealth is meaningless. James, as well as Paul, had a lot to say about that, but we tend to remain stuck in a materialistic mindset. We are quick to quote Jesus’ words, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6:33) speaking of our material needs, but we have a lot of trouble really living like that. We want to become wealthy, because “think of all the good I could do with that money,” but the money itself becomes our goal, and we become spiritually bankrupt. If Jesus never had a big bank account, what are we griping about? Particularly in countries like the US and Japan, the average person lives better, materially speaking, than over half the world’s population, not to mention the vast majority of our ancestors. We need to learn what it means to “lay up treasure in heaven!” (Matthew 6:20-21)

Growing up in a missionary family in post-war Japan, we had a complicated relationship with money. We were far from affluent by American standards, but particularly in my childhood, we were far better off than almost everyone around us. When my grandparents died, my parents inherited funds that they in turn passed on to us four children. I used all of my inheritance in building this building, but the Lord has met all of our actual needs down through the years, and when one of Cathy’s aunts passed, she left Cathy enough that, with Social Security and our Japanese pension, means we don’t have any financial worries. I’m a little uncomfortable with that, because that makes us better off than the majority of our church members. I understand my parents’ conflict! At this point we have little for which we want to spend money, which leaves me seeking God for His guidance as to accurate stewardship. I feel we have a pretty good “nest egg” in heaven at this point, and I’m happy with that. I want to live my life with God’s values and by His standards, for His glory.

Father, thank You for Your gracious provision, not just materially, but especially spiritually. May I be a good steward indeed of all that You place in my hands, for the sake of Your kingdom and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!