Debt
In a recent news article, it was reported that the chancellor warned that “The UK faces a significant recession”, after figures showed the economy shrank by 2% in the first three months of the year.” (https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-uk-facing-significant-recession-chancellor-warns-after-gdp-falls-2-11987378) Articles like this make us worry about our income and job security. We wonder and worry whether we will have enough money to feed our families and provide all their basic needs. We wonder if we will have jobs to return to in the aftermath of Covid-19. We worry about debts and whether we will be able to repay them.
In the New Testament Jesus used parables to criticise certain ill practises that existed in an oppressive and conflicted society controlled by the Roman authorities. In all cases Jesus is urging His followers to show mercy to anyone who owes them debt. In Matthew 18:23-35 the “king” showed mercy to one of his servants who owed him bags of gold. He wrote off his debt. But when this servant went out, he did not show mercy to someone else who owed him much less than he owed the king. Instead he ordered him to be thrown into prison until he could pay off his debt. The standard Hellenistic- Roman procedure for dealing with insolvency was to either imprison the “debtor” or to sell the debtor and his family as slaves. Torture was against the Jewish law. Jesus advocated mercy, forgiveness and grace.
As believers we have a moral and Christian responsibility to help our brothers and sisters who are in financial need. We are called by our Lord and Saviour to show “mercy and grace” by either writing off debts (if possible) or giving people the time and opportunity to repay their debts. We should not be more interested in financial gain at the expense of our brothers and sisters in need. As believers we should be leading the world in how to deal with debt through our examples of mercy, grace and love. Amen
Tuesday, 19th May 2020
Matthew 18:25-27
“Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
‘At this the servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me,” he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before you today to ask for a financial blessing to improve my life. I only ask for enough money to relieve my financial woes and ease this stress. Give me the means to do your work, and spread your Love.
Amen
Spring 2020 ● Volume 8, Issue 2 ● Balerno Parish Church