Scripture to Read: Luke 12:16-19
Jesus often taught with parables during His earthly ministry. The parable shared in Luke 12:16-19 describes a rich man who had been abundantly blessed with very productive land. In other words, this man’s land produced for him such an abundance of crops that he felt like he didn’t need anything or anyone else. This man felt so self-sufficient that he decided he would tear down his old barns and build much bigger and better barns to store all of his crops in them. The man then said, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” This man thought that he was the one who deserved to keep for himself everything that God had given Him. The man missed that those blessings were not just for himself, but those in need as well. God makes this clear in 1 Timothy 6:17-18 “ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,” as well as in James 2:14-20 and many other places. We must guard our hearts against thinking that everything we have is only for our pleasure. God gives to us so that we will minister to those around us as well. Christ is our treasure and not the stuff of this world.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your heart and what or who you treasure?
2. We will talk with people about what we treasure most. If you treasure Christ as you should, who will you share Him with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!