Abide Together: Reflections on Luke 12

In Luke 12, Jesus teaches that every thing we do and say is seen and heard by the Father, HE encourages His disciples not to fear those on earth, He warns of covetousness, HE encourages giving to those in need, HE warns them to be ready for HIS return and Jesus also says that HE will bring division between people.  The point that stands out to me this morning is Jesus’ teaching on covetousness, especially the story about the man who had so much that he wanted to build bigger barns to store all of his excess.  The man says to himself, “Soul you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”  Jesus warns that if this what you are living for, then you will miss out on all God has for you in the life to come. This is the fate of all who “store up for themselves, and are not rich toward God.”  Yet, the attitude of storing up a bunch of stuff for yourself so you can be at ease is the message being promoted in our society and sadly often by those who claim to be followers of Christ.  Lord, keep me from the lie of this world to store up treasures on earth, instead empower me and motivate me to store up treasures in heaven by investing Your Word in people.

– Bryan McKenzie