Sunday, September 15, 2013

September 15: The rich fool



Then He told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared — whose will they be?’ That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.  (Luke 12:16-21 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This prosperous farmer thought about no one but himself. He didn't think about God — when his bumper crop came in he didn't even thank God. He had no thought of sharing some of his wealth with people in need. Even though God's people had always given the tithe of their harvests to God, he didn't do that. He was planning to keep everything for himself, take it easy, and enjoy life. He was selfish and godless in everything he did. And just when he thought he had everything, death came knocking on his door and all his possessions were left for others to enjoy.

Jesus' advice is that we be rich toward God. There was nothing wrong with the farmer’s bumper crop or even with his being rich. Many of God's servants have been prosperous. The man's mistake was not putting God first. He should have given his tithe, and even more, to God and His work. He should have realized that his great harvest had come from God, and should have given Him thanks.

This man, that God calls a “fool”, is exactly like most people in the world today. When death comes, they will be totally unprepared. Whatever wealth they have will be lost — and worst of all — they will be lost. But we cannot allow this to happen to us! We need to work hard and ask for God to prosperity, but we can never forget that all good things come from God, and that the most important thing in life is for us to be rich toward Him.

Make sure you are.

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