Our scripture this morning is Luke 12:13-15 (NLT).
Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:13-21 recounts the Parable of the Rich Fool. It shows what can happen when we are selfish. The Every Home for Christ devotional says “Greed always seeks more – more validation, more status, more comfort, more things.” In the old hymn God of Grace and God of Glory we sing “Shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.” More won’t bring us closer to God!
Jesus didn’t come to judge earthly matters between us but to teach us heavenly values. He shows that our primary goal is a loving relationship with God and each other. Everything else is worthless in eternity.
Jesus rejected the political solution of the Romans, the revolutionary solution of the Zealots and the organized religion solution of the scribes and Pharisees, which are all of human origin. No politics, armed rebellion or ritual will free us from sin. Only by accepting God’s love and forgiveness through the sacrifice Christ made for us can we be saved.
Loving Lord, help us to see the failure of our self-centered view of life. Jesus taught we can only live fully through our connection to You and Your children. Bless us to love as You do, and share that love everywhere. Amen.
