Busted Bubbles
Three American economists were awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science on Monday for theoretical work that demonstrated the importance — and the limitations — of the idea that markets for assets such as stocks and housing are too efficient for most investors and policymakers to outsmart.
Though they could not neatly explain why bull markets get irrationally exuberant following the herd, they were nevertheless good predictors of the timing of the economic pop of such things like the collapse of the tech stock and housing markets. The point was that people are not done trying to outsmart the markets and the results for many are not pleasant. So today we look at a couple relevant Bible verses and also the alluring story in John 8 of the sinful woman caught in adultery. We look at it for two reasons. The first is that it is an insertion text not written by John. Say what? Right look at your Bible footnotes. It was not in any of the original texts. “POP.” The second is that it is a wonderful story of Jesus’ skill in not condemning the woman but deflating the vigilantly type actions of the Pharisees as he sends them away as examples of wisps of fog… Busted Bubbles.
Scripture: Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (NRSV)
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”
James 4:13-15 (MSG)
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:14 (KJV)
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:9-11 (NIV)
Message: Ever blow bubbles? It is a very interesting exercise really. There is different kinds of bubble soap and different kinds of wands. Some combine to make big bubbles. Others make longer lasting bubbles and some make them connected to other bubbles of different sizes. Bubbles come in all sizes and shapes, depending on the wand used to create them. Bubbles can be kept or set free, can be alone or connected. Regardless, no matter what the size, all bubbles will eventually burst. They grab our attention and fascination but the tension of their existence does not last forever. So too the world temps us. Power, romance, happiness, wealth, material possessions all hold our attention for a time, but they too are only temporary. You reach out to grab what you always thought you wanted and “POP!” its gone. That is what happened to the Pharisees…one by one from oldest to youngest they go away….just like busted bubbles. In the end, we are only left with Jesus and his forgiveness.
Pray we recognize that it is highly important that we do not miss the opportunity to deposit words of lasting love into people’s lives. Pray before it is too late that we look those we love in the eye, and tell them that we love them with a hug and a kiss and a word of encouragement. Pray we acknowledge our friends with the investment of a blessing. Pray we realize that we like bubbles have a limited time on this earth. Pray we realize that our life is just a vapor and we are not even guaranteed a next breath. Pray we live a life worthy of having died for. Pray we realize that the investment that does not disappoint is in God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 