Saturday 2021.10.23
Shabbat Shalom. Today is the Seventh Day of the Biblical Week. Let us keep the Fourth Commandment by resting from all our work until sunset this evening.
This morning from the New Testament, I read Luke chapters 12 and 13 using J.N.Darby's Translation.
Luke chapter 12 carries an account of our Lord Iesus the Anointed One teaching the people to build up an everlasting treasure in heaven by giving alms. Immediately after saying this, our Lord goes on to remind his followers to keep their lamps burning and watch for the Lord's return.
Luke 12:29 - 37 JND J N Darby's Translation
29 And *ye*, seek not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, and be not in anxiety;
30 for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that ye have need of these things;
31 but seek his kingdom, and all these things shall be added to you.
32 Fear not, little flock, for it has been the good pleasure of your Father to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell what ye possess and give alms; make to yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure which does not fail in the heavens, where thief does not draw near nor moth destroy.
34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
35 Let your loins be girded about, and lamps burning;
36 and *ye* like men who wait their own lord whenever he may leave the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately.
37 Blessed are those bondmen whom the lord on coming shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he will gird himself and make them recline at table, and coming up will serve them.
The above passage brought up one question in my thoughts,
"Is building up treasure in heaven (giving alms) part and parcel of watching
and waiting for the return of our Lord Iesus? Do we keep our lamps burning by
continually giving to the poor and needy?"
These are questions I ponder over on this day of Shabbat.
