Hey, IMRight ... congratulations! Your Redskins are no longer the worst team in the NFL! Boy, am I glad Dallas had a bye week this week.
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ALL: Good morning, everone!
| Monday, October 22, 2001 | ||
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From wau.org ...
What's the greatest treasure anyone could possess? In this parable, the rich landowner is so far from the right answer that God gives him a stunning rebuke: "You fool!" (Luke 12:20). We usually read this as an insult. But perhaps it's intended more as a lament--an expression of sorrow over the blindness of "fools" who "despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Perhaps God is saying, "I want you to live happily and know true success! How deeply grieving it is when you seek what is harmful and foolish for your life, rather than what is good!"
Why did Jesus portray the landowner as unwise or foolish? Not for his industriousness, but for his egoism and selfishness. Like the rich man in another of Jesus' parables (Luke 16:19-31), this wealthy man had lost the capacity to be concerned for others. His life was consumed with his possessions, and his only interest was in himself. His death was the final loss of his soul.
Jesus' parable of the rich fool is a lesson about possessions. He is warning us not to covet or be possessive. At the same time, he promises us that God will reward those who seek their treasure in him. God is generous, and he wants us to trust in his providential care. This is why Jesus tells us not to worry or be anxious about our life, career, and future (Luke 12:22-31). Jesus offers us assurance about our daily needs, while pointing us to a treasure beyond compare: abundant life and happiness with God, both now and forever.
Where is your treasure? Can you let Jesus probe your heart, the center of your desire and longing, of your will and focus? Whatever we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. Have you set it on Jesus, the highest treasure of all?
"Lord, free me from possessiveness, that I may know the joy of having you as my treasure and portion. Give me a generous heart. Help me to make good use of the material blessings you have given me for your glory and the good of others, especially those in need."
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I leave you with this image from Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain dated Oct. 11. Leaders from many faiths gathered to celebrate the 70th year of this famous monument to our savior and to also remember the victims of the attack on America just one month before.
Peace be with you.