Hello First Family!

Today’s Code Word Devotional comes from one of our new Deacons, Jose Alcaraz. Enjoy!

Code Word: Money

Money is a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes.  It is a necessary commodity for people to exchange goods and services.  At a point in time, people exchanged commodities such as corn, wheat and livestock in order to purchase goods or services.  The availability of paper currency and coins made those exchanges a lot easier. 

Money is mentioned in the Bible in several instances.  It is a form of giving back to God a portion of what He has given to us.  In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Jesus had a special affinity for the poor.  He was born into the most humble of circumstances, lived His life taking care of the poor and died being crucified along with criminals.  He could have chosen to be born a powerful king and enjoyed the riches that accompany that status, but He chose the opposite.

In Matthew 21:12-13, we see when Jesus entered the Temple and saw the money changers, He became enraged.  They were turning His Father’s House into a marketplace.  Jesus’ indignation was over the way the poor were being charged exorbitant prices to purchase their items of sacrifice.  Once again, Jesus shows His compassion for the poor.

Money can be used for good or for bad.  It can be used to help the poor and spread God’s message, but it can also be used as an element of greed.

We misuse money when we treat it as something to be idolized or put it before God.  Like anything in this world, it should be used to further God’s kingdom and glorify God.

Today, as you use money to purchase something or even when you see some loose coins sitting in a bowl or on the table, let it remind you of Jesus’ caring love for the poor, and decide to be like Jesus in the same way. May God bless you all. See you tomorrow on our Journey to the Cross.

Deacon Jose Alcaraz