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Leg 3 Day 24
“Parable of the Rich Fool”
Jesus Through Us
Scripture:
LUKE 12:13-21
LUKE 12:13-21 (The Message)
Someone out of the crowd said, “Teacher, order my brother to give me a fair share of the family inheritance.”
He replied, “Mister, what makes you think it’s any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?”
Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”
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!’”
“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’”
“That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Life Lessons from Jesus:
The most valuable thing in life isn’t things. The greatest treasure is not earthly riches. If you’ve found yourself running the rat race, exhausting your time and energy to acquire a certain level of lifestyle, it’s time to reflect on what really matters. None of it will come with you. If you’re living for and putting all your effort toward nicer things, more things, more money, etc., think about why you’re doing it and what would change if today was the last day.
The richest people in God’s eyes have a right relationship with Him. The farmer in Jesus’ story lived for more crops and bigger barns. He focused entirely on that concept of “more.” This man thought that if he could store up enough earthly wealth, then his life would be complete, but he was going to lose it all regardless, when the time came. It is foolish to seek after temporary things that won’t last while not pursuing a relationship with Jesus that will last forever. The greatest treasure is what the world cannot take away: a personal relationship with Jesus.
The WAY:
Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:
Do you feel that you’ve been focused more on earthly riches or an eternal relationship? In what ways specifically?
What would change in your spiritual life if you sought after Jesus as the greatest treasure?
What would change in how you live each day?
Prayer:
Jesus, I don’t want to waste my life seeking more money or more things that won’t last. Please, give me Your perspective when it comes to how to spend my time. Help me to stop and reconsider when I get off track, when I get distracted by the world around me. Nothing compares to my relationship with You. Help me to seek after You as life’s greatest treasure. In Your name, Amen.