Today’s scripture: Luke 12:13-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Recently at Oasis, Pastor David remarked that Jesus gave us his parables because he wants us to really think. That resonated with me, and as I thought about it later, I thought about why he calls us to think deeply. I think the answer is that he wants to change our HEARTS! He wants to touch us deep down — where we laugh, where we cry, where our reason for living is!
And this parable accomplishes his aim! It’s just not fulfilling to be selfish, is it? It’s empty! Haven’t we all tried it at one time (or many times) in our lives? And every time, sooner or later, the end result is a broken cistern. Once we give from our hearts, to someone we really love, or to a cause that’s dear to us, then we can never go back, we can never return to the emptiness!
The process seems to be: we acquire abundance; and yes, initially, we’re happy that we don’t have to scrape and claw for the next meal or for a roof over our heads, and that we can have some nice things. But then something curious and wonderful happens. The love of Christ constrains us to give, and an adventure begins! Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t call the rich man (or us) to give away everything that we have, to the degree that we are destitute; he instead asks us to be rich toward God, instead of rich toward ourselves.
I think the parables serve to illustrate and bring alive the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” God’s love causes a gratitude in our hearts that makes us want to give out of that purity, with no strings attached! I’d like to ask you to think of a time when you gave to someone or some group you love and believe in. How did you feel afterwards? Was there a relaxation, a peace, a joy that only God can give?
In the parable God was demanding the life of the rich man. For us, God wants our lives now, today, while we are still alive! How do we do it? Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to trust and acknowledge God with all of our hearts, in all of our ways. This is truly empowering, because “all of our ways” includes our finances! We learn to not always rely on our own insight, which might be telling me, “Hold onto ALL your money and time with ALL your might!” We learn to become skillful in maintaining an awareness of God’s inspiration and guidance in our hearts. As we do, giving starts to become a passion, part of our faith, our purpose, and our joy.
Thought for the day: Thank you, God, for awakening me to the desire you have planted deep within: to give!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.