Episode 982
Is Your Spiritual Life Out of Shape? Finding Authentic Faith in Daily Practice
The salient point of today's discussion centers on the profound implications of wealth and privilege as articulated in the New Testament passage from Luke 18:18-30. We explore the radical economics of Jesus, which challenges the conventional understanding of material wealth and its impact on spiritual fulfillment. This episode prompts us to reflect on the notion that true richness resides not in our possessions, but in our relationships and communal bonds. We delve into the concept of privilege and the necessity of dismantling systems of inequality, advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources. As we engage with these themes, we encourage listeners to examine their own privileges and consider actionable steps toward fostering community well-being and support.
The core of Dr. Brad Miller's podcast episode centers around a poignant examination of the biblical narrative found in Luke 18, wherein a wealthy official approaches Jesus with inquiries about eternal life. This interaction serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on the implications of wealth in relation to spiritual health. Dr. Miller articulates that the official's initial confidence is quickly undermined by the profound directive from Jesus, which calls for an abandonment of material goods in favor of a life devoted to the service of others. The resultant sadness of the official encapsulates the struggle many individuals face when confronted with the spiritual cost of wealth.
In his analysis, Dr. Miller draws connections between this ancient text and modern societal dynamics, particularly in relation to privilege and its often-unrecognized influence on personal spirituality. He posits that Jesus' teachings challenge us to consider how our financial and social standings may create barriers to genuine relationship with God and others. This episode not only highlights the radical nature of Jesus' call to action but also encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection regarding their own privileges and the ways in which they can contribute to dismantling systemic inequalities within their communities.
The conclusion of the episode is not merely a reiteration of the scriptural text but rather an invitation to embody the teachings of Jesus through active participation in community building and sharing. Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where generosity flourishes, where resources are shared, and where love abounds. The episode thus serves as both a spiritual reflection and a practical guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of faith in a material world.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the radical economic teachings of Jesus, particularly regarding wealth and privilege.
- Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal areas of privilege and how they can utilize that privilege to benefit their communities.
- The discussion highlights that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by relationships and community support.
- The episode proposes the idea that sharing and generosity should be inherent values, akin to the natural joy exhibited by children in sharing.
- Jesus' teachings present the notion that entering God's kingdom may be hindered by one's attachments to wealth and material goods.
- Finally, the podcast calls upon individuals to actively engage in creating a more equitable community, advocating for systemic change and support for others.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com, which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker A: Reading from Luke: Speaker A:And Jesus said, why are you calling me good?
Speaker A:No one is good.
Speaker A:Only God.
Speaker A:You know the Commandments, don't you?
Speaker A:No illicit sex, no killing, no stealing, no lying.
Speaker A:Honor your father and mother.
Speaker A:And he said, I've kept them all as long as I can remember.
Speaker A:When Jesus heard that, he said, then there's only one thing left to do.
Speaker A:Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor.
Speaker A:You have riches in heaven, then come follow me.
Speaker A:This was the last thing the official expected to hear.
Speaker A:He was very rich and became terribly sad.
Speaker A:He was holding on tight to a lot of of things and not about to let them go.
Speaker A:And seeing his reaction, Jesus said, do you have any other do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God's kingdom?
Speaker A:I'd say it's easier to thread a camel through a needle's eye than to get a rich person into God's heaven.
Speaker A:Then who has any chance at all?
Speaker A:The others asked.
Speaker A:No chance at all, jesus said.
Speaker A:If you think you you can pull it off by yourself.
Speaker A:Every chance in the world, if you trust God to do it.
Speaker A:Peter tried to regain some initiative.
Speaker A:We left everything we owned and followed you, didn't we?
Speaker A:Yes, said Jesus.
Speaker A:And you won't regret it.
Speaker A:No one who has sacrificed home, spouse, brothers and sisters, parents, children, whatever will lose out.
Speaker A:It will all come back multiplied many times over in your lifetime.
Speaker A:And then the bonus is of eternal life.
Speaker A:That ends the reading.
Speaker A:Let's talk about the radical Economics of Jesus, my friends, I was just thinking about this passage here while taking a walk with my wife.
Speaker A:And we came to understand this passage here in such a way that it relates to you in the sense of reflection.
Speaker A:Today's reading from Luke hits differently in our modern context and reminds us of conversation I have had in my cancer support groups.
Speaker A:When people face a life changing diagnosis, they often realize what truly matters.
Speaker A:And you know what, it's rarely their bank account.
Speaker A:So let's explore this challenging perspective that might make us think differently about this familiar story.
Speaker A:The first is the privilege problem.
Speaker A:You know, I like to watch the Indianapolis Colts play football and when you have great seats, it's wonderful.
Speaker A:But it's also a privilege that many people can't afford.
Speaker A:And Jesus wasn't just talking about money here.
Speaker A:He's addressing systems of privilege.
Speaker A:When he says it's harder for a rich person to enter God's kingdom than for a camel to go through the needle's eye.
Speaker A:He's not just being clever, he's calling out how wealth can become a spiritual barrier.
Speaker A:My wife, I've been married, you know, coming up on 34 years and we've raised three, three wonderful children.
Speaker A:And I've learned that true wealth isn't in bank accounts or stuff, but in our relationships with our kids and our grandchildren and how we serve others.
Speaker A:Another point is about radical redistribution.
Speaker A:This really isn't about charitable giving.
Speaker A:Jesus is suggesting something that is even more revolutionary.
Speaker A:When he tells the facial to sell everything, he's not offering a prosperity kind of investment strategy.
Speaker A:He's talking about dismantling systems of inequality.
Speaker A:Reminds me when my granddaughters actually want to share their toys and they don't.
Speaker A:Often when they share, they're not calculating the return.
Speaker A:You know, if I give you this, you'll give me that.
Speaker A:They just have a lot of joy in it.
Speaker A:And maybe we as adults need to relearn sharing and that kind of generosity.
Speaker A:One more point is the community promise.
Speaker A:Notice how Jesus promises returns in the community family, brothers, sisters, homes.
Speaker A:You know, one of the things I like to do is watch basketball games, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, others.
Speaker A:And it's really a joy multiplied when things go well, when they're shared unison and good plays and the team wins.
Speaker A:What we're talking about here, friends, is not about individual salvation, but it's about a team effort.
Speaker A:It's about creating beloved community.
Speaker A:We're all in this together.
Speaker A:In my work with cancer patients, I've seen how community support is a great part of the healing process here's your action step this week.
Speaker A:Examine an area of privilege in your life.
Speaker A:It might be financial, social, educational.
Speaker A:And choose some concrete way to use that privilege for sharing in your community or building community.
Speaker A:Maybe it's mentoring some other person or sharing your resources or maybe advocating for some systematic change of injustice.
Speaker A:We're going to pray here in just a minute, but I want to remind you that we have a great resource for you.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC123 Bible Study Guide that's going to help you with your at home Bible study.
Speaker A:Go over to our website voiceofgoddaily.com it's free for you there.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are divine.
Speaker A:Love Help us loosen our grip on the things we think we can't that we can't live without.
Speaker A:Show us how our abundance can often become can become freedom rather than from bondage.
Speaker A:But give us courage to trust in your economy of grace where giving multiplies joy and create and sharing creates abundance.
Speaker A:Help us build communities where everyone has enough, no one has too much.
Speaker A:And guide us in using our privileges to create pathways for others.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener support.
Speaker A: ionaires, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Every morning.
