Verse of the Day 3/28
Luke 12:19-20
19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'
20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' New International Version (NIV)
Our Pastor Bob spoke on this passage last Sunday from Luke 12 about the parable of the "rich fool". It is a fairly short parable but there are several things that can or should catch our attention. The passage begins with two brothers coming to Jesus to settle an argument over their inheritance. It reminded me of something you might see on "People's Court" or Judge Judy. Jesus pointed to the more important things in life and told them that "life does not consist in the abundance of possessions".
People are no different today. They can't settle what should be simple dispute without dragging or being dragged into court. Jesus stated that he didn't come to settle such disputes and then launched into the parable. The parable delves into how we "talk to ourselves" or to our soul. Have you ever had a conversation with yourself about your plans, plans for your retirement, perhaps plans for your family and home, or perhaps your career? Was God part of those plans? In concluding the parable Jesus says "but God says", "the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" Chances are they will be tossed out or worse, there will be disputes about who gets what, just like at the beginning of the passage.
It shouldn't be that way with us. We should be "rich towards God" and all of the other things will take care of themselves. The next time we find ourselves in such situations where we are planning for the future, instead of saying "self", this is what I'm going to do, may we be able to say "Lord, what should I do" and let Him lead you.
My Old Testament reading in my devotions this morning was 2 Chronicles 19 where I just happened to read:
2 Chronicles 19:3
3 Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God." New King James Version (NKJV)
The king was in danger of falling into the same kind of trap but God, through the prophet sent him a warning and the king heeded it and went back out among the people and "brought them back to the Lord."
If you have the time read the short passage in 2 Chronicles 19:3-7, but before doing so, read the concluding verse from today's passage in Luke 12:
Luke 12:21New International Version (NIV)
21 "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."
May we be among those who don't worry about our "storehouses" but instead are rich towards God.
Blessings,
Mike
Luke 12:19-20The Message (MSG)
16-19 Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'
20 "Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?'
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