May 4, 2021
Text: Luke 12:13-34
In the name of + Jesus. Amen.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
People often think that having more money would solve their problems. But as often as not, it just adds to their level of anxiety. And nothing creates more stress in a family than arguing over the inheritance when someone dies. And this is what sets Jesus off on a parable – a fight between two brothers over inheritance.
Our Lord says: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
His parable is about a farmer who is rich. And he had a great year, a bumper crop, for his land “produced plentifully.” But instead of rejoicing, instead of thanking God, instead of thinking of ways to put his wealth to use in the kingdom – he was filled with anxiety. He planned to tear down his barns and build bigger barns. But in this story, his plans – and his worry – were for naught. For he died, and his wealth meant nothing – except to create strife for his heirs.
Dear friends, Jesus isn’t saying that wealth is a bad thing, but there is a more excellent way than focusing on worldly wealth. “Fear not, little flock,” our Lord says to us. “For it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The kingdom is a gift, dear friends, a gift purchased by the blood of Christ. And our Lord points us to the nature that God cares for by His providence, even things like ravens and lilies – lacking barns and equipment to make clothing – and yet our heavenly Father cares even for such things that are not created in His image. So how much more does your heavenly Father care about you, for your Father knows that you need various things for this body and life.
So instead of focusing on your possessions, and worrying, focus on the Lord’s goodness, and rejoice!
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The real inheritance that makes us rich, dear friends, is our inheritance of the kingdom by virtue of the death of Jesus. And there is nothing for us heirs to fight over. This is our “treasure in the heavens that does not fail.” Thanks be to God!
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment