November 17, 2024 | "Everything Belongs to God"

In The Lord of the Rings, the Steward of Gondor serves as a powerful illustration of biblical stewardship. For generations, the Stewards ruled Gondor in place of the true king, tasked with maintaining the kingdom until the rightful heir returned. They were not sovereign rulers but caretakers, entrusted with preserving and protecting what belonged to another.
Denethor, the last Steward, tragically reveals what can happen when a steward loses sight of their role. Instead of humbly serving the kingdom for the sake of the true king, he grows possessive of his authority and distrustful of Aragorn, the rightful heir. His stewardship becomes twisted, driven by fear, pride, and self-interest. In clinging to power, Denethor neglects the very people he was meant to serve, ultimately bringing ruin to himself and nearly to Gondor.
This mirrors our role as stewards in God’s kingdom. We are not the true king; all we have-our time, talents, and resources-ultimately belongs to God. He calls us to faithfully manage these gifts for His glory and the good of others, always remembering that we are caretakers, not owners. Like the Stewards of Gondor, we must serve with humility, keeping our eyes on the true King who will one day return to claim His throne. This Sunday we will lean into the powerful theme of stewardship by exploring Luke 12:35-48.