Wealth Upon Wealth
Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash.
Do you believe you already have an abundance? What would you do if you had more wealth added to the wealth you have?
Some of us want more wealth to pay off debts, to get ahead, and to be financially secure. Many of us want more wealth for the sake of giving more generously to others.
It is fascinating to see the news coverage of people being interviewed who are purchasing lottery tickets when the lottery reaches record highs. People dream out loud about what they will buy and what they will give with their new found wealth should they win.
A similar scene unfolds when Jesus told the crowd a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’” (Luke 12:16-17, ESV).
Jesus points out that this was already a rich man who was now becoming richer as his land produced an abundance of wealth. Instead of looking outward and to how his wealth could benefit those in need, this man set out to store his wealth for himself—wealth upon wealth.
The rich man desired storehouses of wealth for personal security. He said, “‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’” (Luke 12:18-19, ESV).
This man cared for himself and had only himself to consult and to care for. For the first century hearers of this parable, this man would be seen as most pitiable. This was a sad and lonely state of isolation and self-centeredness. The rich man chose himself over others. He chose security, comfort and relaxation, feasting and drinking, and isolated celebration over community and the greater good.
The parable ends with an indictment of the rich man as God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” Jesus then warned, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21, ESV).
May we learn from this parable that we are greater than our possessions, and may we seek to honor God and serve him as we help others with the abundance of our wealth—as we are rich toward God.
A Prayer for the Harvest of Lands and Waters: “O gracious Father, you open your hand and fill all living things with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; send forth your breath, and renew the face of the earth; show your loving-kindness, that our land may yield its increase; and save us from selfish use of what you provide, that the poor and needy may give thanks to your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (#23., Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Begin the month with a #dailydevotional. I have created a #devotional book for each month, a devotional for every day of the year, and offering them for #free by subscribing. Get a link to #Grow365: #August2022—A #Daily Devotional here: robbiepruitt.com.
Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash.
