The Price of Possession: A Divine Warning Against Greed (06/29/'24) -Message

The Price of Possession: A Divine Warning Against Greed Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the shimmering world of gold and silver, where every fragment of earth is weighed and measured, a timeless truth whispers through the ages. The ancient verses of Leviticus and Isaiah speak with a voice that transcends time, reminding us of the sacred bond between humanity and the land we tread. "The land shall not be sold permanently," declares the divine decree, for it belongs to the Creator. We are mere travelers, transient beings on this sacred soil, entrusted with its care, not its ownership. Yet, in our relentless pursuit of wealth, we have forgotten our role as stewards. We buy more houses, amass more fields, ever grasping for more, while the cries of the dispossessed grow louder, echoing through the concrete canyons of our cities. Doom is pronounced upon those who hoard, who seek to own all they see. Their greed blinds them to the beauty of sharing, the grace of giving. Soon, the earth will have no room for those without wealth, for those whose homes are swallowed by the insatiable hunger of the rich. In this race for possession, the soul's delight is lost, and the world descends into a darkness of its own making. But the scriptures offer not just a warning, but a call to return to our true selves. To live as sojourners, mindful of our temporary stay, and to cherish the land as a gift, not a commodity. The earth is His, the heavens too, and in our humility, we find our true strength. Let us heed this ancient wisdom, for in the end, it is not wealth that defines us, but the love we bear and the deeds we sow. The price of possession is high, but the reward of stewardship is eternal. We are called to live with open hands and hearts, to embrace the sacred duty of care, and to find joy in the simple act of being one with the land and with each other. In this, we discover the true meaning of life, and the path to a world where all can thrive. May we open our hearts to the divine call, and may we find the courage to live as stewards of God’s creation, sharing its blessings with all. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 29, 2024)