What Jesus Did! 'True Wealth!' — Luke 12:16-21

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

[Continuing his warning against greed, Jesus] told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"'

"But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

— Luke 12:16-21 NLT

Key Thought

When we are blessed financially, we can easily become arrogant and think that we are blessed because we are smarter, better, or just harder working than anyone else. While many of us with computers can see how we have been financially blessed because of our Christian values, we must remember that many Christians in the world today live in very impoverished conditions. Those of us who are blessed with financial wealth — and God's definition of wealth is anyone who has more than the basic necessities [1] of food, clothes, and a place to sleep — have been blessed to be a blessing. This principle goes back to God's call of Abraham and is reiterated by Paul to the Corinthians. Our financial blessings are simply God's way of entrusting us with his money to do his work! We are blessed to be a blessing — not to hoard, gloat, or become self-satisfied.

[1] Also, Paul commended the Macedonians for giving even out of their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). Jesus made a similar point when he praised the widow who gave her last two coins (Luke 21:1-4).

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for all of my blessings. Help me have the wisdom to use them in ways that honor you, bless others, and bring you joy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 12:1-3
  • 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:16-21 NLT — "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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