Worth: a Reflection on Psalm 109, Zechariah 7:8-8:8, Revelation 5:6-14 and Matthew 25:14-30

Our worth is not in what we own or our status. At least it shouldn’t be. As the writer of the Revelation tells us, the Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy. That’s right. Jesus Christ, perfect God and man, died for me and you too. The way for us to know and be known by the Father was accomplished on the cross. My worth is accomplished through what Jesus did for me, not what I do for myself. And the same is true for you. With the psalmist I ask that evil no longer be rewarded with good and love; that good no longer be rewarded with evil and hate. Since my worth is not in my stuff or credentials, I yearn to live out of the worth I have in Jesus, the master of true humanity; and render true judgments, show kindness and mercy and not oppress the widow, orphan, the alien or the poor. As I realize who I am outside of Jesus, I must be faithful over the little I have before I will be trusted with more. Until I recognize that I have no worth outside of Jesus, I will not be trusted with the immeasurable worth I have in Jesus. Therein lies the lesson of worth. I have so much still to learn.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.