This sermon may be more stewardship than iPhone theology (this is the next to last sermon of this sermon series). The connection to the iPhone is the many different apps, toys, and tools that I can use on my iPhone gives me an abundance that has more than I actually need or use. When most of us look at our lives, we have an abundance, much more than we actually need.
The Mark text is the familiar story of the widow's mite in which Jesus lifts up the widow fro giving that which "she couldn't afford," while the rich people gave what "they wouldn't miss" (to use Eugene Peterson's translation in The Message). That presents a great challenge for us, who have so much abundance and generally give out of our abundance.
The Malachi passage has interesting words from God who challenges the Israelites to give their tithe as a test to see if God does not respond by pouting out blessings from heaven that they cannot imagine. Is that a quid pro quo -- give to God, and in exchange God will give back? Perhaps God is pointing out how ridiculous it might be for us to hang on to our gifts to take care of ourselves, when God cares for us with such grace and abundance?
Not sure where this sermon is headed. Any thoughts?
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