Rich toward God

Reading: Luke 12.13-31
There are many ways in which a society measures the worth of its members. Beauty, brains or brawn - alone or in combination - are a significant measure. But then we also evaluate them by popularity, people-skills and possessions.

Of course, there's a good deal more to it than that, yet does society go much further in ruling people in or out?

So what about us? How do we view ourselves? What is our deepest need? What do we feel we are missing out on the most? If we were offered just one wish, what would it be?

The Lord had sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king in the place of Saul. Jesse's sons were paraded in front of him - fine, strong, handsome, all of them - but "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16.7). It was David, the no-account youngest, who would be the man after the Lord's heart.

We think of "Solomon in all his glory", but he knew his deepest need was for "a discerning heart to govern [the Lord's] people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (1 Kings 3.9). Long life and wealth didn't even enter his request (v. 11). They were given as a bonus.

Today's reading begins with the question of an inheritance - "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me" (Lk. 12.13) - a divisive issue in some present-day families!

In those days, the eldest son inherited double what the others did. This was to ensure the continuation of a viable family property. It is doubtful that this well-accepted principle was in dispute between the two brothers. Most likely it was the fair and proper distribution of the residue.

Jesus refused to be drawn into the dispute (v. 14). Instead, he warned against "all kinds of greed" because the essence of our life isn't "the abundance of [our] possessions" (v. 15) - a pointed comment for both sides of this kind of dispute!

The rich man in the parable had no thought except his own financial security and comfort. "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (v. 20)

One of America's wealthiest men was asked one day how much he would need to have to make him happy. He replied, "Just a little more!" All of us have had times when we have wished for "just a little more", but the real question is whether we are "rich toward God" (v. 21).

How we burn ourselves out with worry! I don't believe Jesus is suggesting an idle life-style or carelessness with money. We do need to be responsible in caring for our children and our future. But notice v. 29, "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it". Those needs are much more basic to human life than most of what we "set our hearts on"! And we become consumed with worry about all the things that we make basic and central to our lives.

"The pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them" (v. 30). So Jesus isn't denying our real and practical needs. But "the Father knows", and because the Father knows, there is absolutely no need to worry.

"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well" (v. 31). When we seek God's kingdom, the other details of our life - our other needs - will fit into their proper place - without worry or panic.

Being "rich toward God" - that's it! That's our basic need! Set our heart on that! Make that our goal! That will give us the riches we need to face life here - and in eternity!

Prayer: Our Lord and Father, so often our lives are filled with anxious care about the many things we think we need and the expectations of our society. But we needn't panic, for you know our needs and we can simply trust you. Help us to seek your kingdom and to work with vigour and purpose. Enable us to bring support and comfort to those who are distressed by failing abilities, that all may put their trust in your redeeming love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Children of the Most High!

Gnawing worry
tears at our being
as we pursue
the fragile
illusory
and false
values
of our age.
We panic
lest we miss
our basic
human needs.

The Son of God -
so rich! -
became poor
so that
through his poverty
we might be rich.

So grant us,
Lord,
a faith,
vigorous
and active,
to trust
the provision
of your grace
and to live
with courage
and vigour,
not as paupers
but as children
of the Most High God!

(1 Corinthians 8.9)


© Peter J. Blackburn, Burdekin BlueCare Devotions, 27 July 2004
Except where otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, © International Bible Society, 1984.

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