11/8/2026: Saints Triumphant (Proper 25)

Open Hands: One Master

Try holding a coin in a tight fist and receiving a gift with the same hand. It can’t be done. A clenched hand has no room for anything new. Scripture says our hearts are often like that clenched fist. By nature we grip our money, our security, and our future.  To us, that’s called being responsible.

Jesus says plainly that no one can serve two masters.  He even calls out the rival: money. He doesn’t only scold clenched hands. He opens them with a gift. Everything we hold was put there by him, and he bought us back from every inferior master with his own life.

Open hands are the posture of people who have been redeemed. Over four Sundays, listen to Jesus describe the one Master we have and the lavish care he extends to his children.

The Rival    

Most of us don’t lie awake worrying about idols. We lie awake worrying about bills, the future, and whether there will be enough. Worry often feels like responsibility. But Jesus looks at our anxious counting and sees a rival master keeping a record book over us.

The Lord doesn’t answer that record book with a lecture on budgeting. He points to birds and lilies and says, “Your heavenly Father knows.” The Master who owns everything already knows what you need and has promised to provide it, and in Christ he has already given you the kingdom.

In your hands this week: Next time a worry about money or the future starts its own record book, stop and say aloud, “My Father knows.” Then notice what he has already put in your hands today.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Mueller preaches on Matthew 6:24–34

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