The Italian Memorandum

(Salvation as Materialism)

“…and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”

(Luke 3:6, ESV)

The Gospel of Luke, alone, includes the words, “and all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Luke’s emphasis seems to be a worldwide approach and appeal, whereas the Gospel of Matthew, for example, is extremely Jewish in emphasis. For this reason (and others), the Gospel of Luke is perfect for the American audience.

Americans, regardless of status: whether affluent or poor, all share one common denominator—the addiction to, or, at least, the habituation to material based living (from cell phones to ice cream cones). Many are too busy supporting this lifestyle to worship the Lord on Sunday, or to do ministry on a weeknight. There can be no doubt that Americans are blessed materially. The main problem which accrues from this lifestyle, however, is that it has become the standard by which we interpret the good life.

So, how do you spell “salvation”? Typically, our spelling is not what Luke had in mind at all. And, yet, Luke did have something in mind. The purpose of this brief article is to get us thinking about salvation along the lines of what it means biblically and spiritually. So, when we are tempted to slack-off, give up, or slow down, remember the words of the Lord Jesus—“No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 5:24).

Robert M. Housby