In 1 Chronicles 17-19 David had a desire to build a temple for the LORD. The LORD had a different idea. He promised to build a house or family line for David that ultimately included the promise of the Savior. “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom… I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.”
 
As I listen to the LORD speak through the prophet Nathan, the little word “I” stands out. 

The LORD God is...

• the one who was active,
• the one who is active, and
• the one who will be active

.... active in carrying out his plan and purpose for David and for each of us.

Later that active power of God is revealed in this simple, repeated statement: “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.”
 
It is this certainty that our Savior God is active that removes the fear and worry about which Jesus speaks in our New Testament lesson, Luke 12:22-48. When worry is removed, it frees us to be generous toward others.
 
Finally, there is challenge: “From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

I call this a challenge as I sit...

• in a comfortable recliner,
• in a house that is palatial compared to the kinds of homes of Jesus' day (see pictures below),
• with closets filled with clothes we do not wear, contrasted with the two shirts mentioned in Luke 3.
• with a retirement account that is reminiscent of the barns in the Parable of the Rich Fool. 

And that is just my material wealth! What of the spiritual wealth that I have been given! How much more do we understand than so many others in the world!

To whom much is given...

This challenge leads me to pray... for myself and each of us. 
 
Lord, grant us wisdom to see the comfort of the "I" -- that just as in David's life,

• you have been active,
• you are active, and,
• you will be active in our lives.

Increase our trust in your ability to provide for our needs.

Then, Lord, help us understand what more you are calling us to do.

• How shall we use the spiritual wealth you have given us?
• How shall we use the material wealth that you have given us?
• What more can we do to carry out your mission?

Help each of us live out your mission, in our daily lives and interactions, but also in our financial and generosity decisions. We have been entrusted with much. Much more is asked of us so that "by every possible means we bring every person within our area of influence closer to Christ." Amen. 

The pictures below are from Katzrin, a partially reconstructed Talmudic village from about 300 years after Christ. Seeing these homes helped me understand that the Lord God has given me much. "To whom much is given, much more will be asked."