The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love Lyrics
In early 1964, phenom British quartet, the Beatles, performed a marathon concert series at the Olympia Theatre in Paris doing two and sometimes even three shows a night for eighteen days. While in Paris, the Beatles and their entourage stayed at the luxurious George V Hotel. "This song was written on a piano in the George V in Paris," Paul McCartney reflected in his book, The Lyrics, "The hotel was near the Champs-Elysees, and we had suites big enough to have a piano brought up...The idea is that all these material possessions are well and good, but money can't buy you what you really want…love.”
There are in fact a lot of problems that money can’t solve. Money can’t solve relationship issues, heartache, loneliness, and health problems. Sometimes it seems that those who have money don’t experience these struggles, like the Beatles selling out packed concerts 2-3 times a night and camping out in a luxury suite in Paris big enough to hold a grand piano. But here’s the catch – those who think money, instead of God, will solve these issues will also experience fear, anxiety, greed, and resentment. Regardless of the problems we face in this life, when we put our trust in God, we can experience peace and contentment that only comes from Christ.
In today’s reading, Jesus is once again taking the religious leaders to task, who have convinced themselves that while money might not be able to buy them love, it can certainly buy them position, power and prestige. That seems like enough, but is it?
Read Luke 16:1-18
Jesus is teaching His disciples an important lesson regarding worship and trust. As usual, the Pharisees come in and out of hearing range, arms folded across their chests and often rolling their eyes. They are disgusted with everything Jesus has to say, yet they can’t stop listening to Him! Jesus shares a parable about the steward of a large estate who had been given charge over everything - buildings, land, crops, flocks and servants. This reminds me of the position that Joseph was given after being sold by his brothers as a slave. He was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer and captain of the guards, and the LORD was with Joseph and made everything he did succeed. Potiphar saw this favor that Joseph enjoyed and put him in charge of more and more, until he was running the entire house. Everyone reported to Joseph.
Similarly, this manager who was second only to the rich owner of the estate had most likely caught his master’s attention by faithfully completing each assignment given him. The owner then gave him more and more responsibilities, along with a pay raise and bonus structure, and was able to give his attention to his other assets.
At some point the manager became dissatisfied with being the number two guy and began squandering his rich master’s possessions. The crops and herds weren't tended to like before and the house and outbuildings were dirty and in disarray. The rich man heard about the changes taking place and confronted the manager, demanding that he explain what was going on before he was fired. The manager couldn’t explain his way out of this uncomfortable situation so he decided to use what influence he had left to those who owed his master money. He cut their payment plan significantly, but expected that when he called in the future, they would answer and help him out.
The owner was impressed with the dishonest manager’s financial shrewdness, but warned of what would come. “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own?” (vv 10-12) The manager had convinced himself that money could buy him love and respect and security, but in the end would find himself alone, empty, and afraid.
When Jesus ended the lesson with, “You cannot serve both God and money,” (v 13) the money-loving Pharisees's eyes rolled in the back of their heads and they began to ridicule Him, “You are certifiably crazy! You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Jesus responds that God knows their hearts. “What is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.” (v 15) The good news of the Kingdom of God was being actively proclaimed and taught in their presence, and “everyone urgently invited to enter it,” (v 16) but they couldn’t have it both ways. They couldn’t serve money, trusting in it and what it can provide, and simultaneously God, who alone is their faithful and sovereign provider. “All those who try will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other, cause money can’t buy you love.” (from v 13)
Big Picture Questions for Today:
* Are there problems in your life currently that you are tempted to think would disappear if only you had enough money?
* How are you trying to worship/love/trust in both money and God simultaneously?
Pray with the Psalmist David, “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” (Ps 51:1-12)
