So That You May Know – A Parable About a Rich Fool

February 20, 2022

Luke 12:13-21

Jesus is pointing toward a correct attitude toward the accumulation of wealth.  Life is more than material goods; far more important is our relationship with God.  Jesus put his finger on the questioner’s heart in Luke 12.  When we bring problems to God in prayer, he often does the same—showing us how we need to change and grow in our attitude toward the problem.  This is often a different, but more effective answer than we are looking for.  In Luke 12:16-21 the man in Jesus’ story died before he could begin to use what was stored in his big barns.  Planning for life before death is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous.  If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed.  Read Luke 12:33.  Money used as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy.  The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves.  Does God’s love touch your wallet?  Does your money free you to help others?  If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven.