Rich Towards God Series

Clearly there is something else going on because Jesus tells a parable and my second objection happens in the parable. Notice the first six words of His parable: “The land of a rich man.” That word in verse 16 translated “rich” is a word that means “abundance of external possessions” and “abundantly supplied.” The word “rich” in the Bible means what you think it means. I guess my objection comes because I do not think I am rich. My idea of rich is a good amount of dollars in the bank that produces interest to freely spend or more vehicles than I need or not needing coupons or not having to have a job. Those are my ideas of rich or wealth. None of that applies to me. None of that applies to most people… some… but not most. So when it comes to passages that mention the word “rich”… I object because I do not think I am rich… so I tune out the Word of God as not applying to me. Why do I need to listen to this if I am not rich? Why do I need to guard myself against wealth when I don’t have it?

Clearly there is something else going on because Jesus does not stop there, but keeps on teaching about money and wealth and introduces the idea of worrying about such things. Do you know who says “money isn’t everything” or “don’t worry about money”? People. Who. Have. Money. And Jesus. I read the verses that Jesus teaches in verses 22-30 and I think about years when I worked two jobs and still couldn’t pay my bills. Not having money produces worry because clothes and food and housing and electricity and health are essentials to live. Not having money produces anxiety because when you don’t have them it produces worry. You know who doesn’t worry about clothes and food and housing and electricity and health and essentials for life? People with money. Why is Jesus telling us not to worry about money when that is one of the basic normal understood expected worries in life?

It could be that I was just having a disagreeable week because even as I read more in verses 22-30 I wondered what ravens or lilies or the richest king in the Old Testament or grass has to do with little ‘ol me?

TRANSITION

One of the basic Truths about the Christian life is that we hold that the Kingdom of God is the #1 priority in our lives. We seek God first. We learn from Jesus first. We listen to the Spirit first. We trust the Bible first. Everything else, including our rational objections sits in the back seat of our lives because God and His Word and His Kingdom comes first. That is how we must approach questions and objections and doubts when it comes to our relationship with God and His way of life. That includes subjects like desire and money. So, what is the truth?

Keep in mind the question:

QUESTION: What do you desire?

THE TRUTH

The point of Jesus’ parable is plain to us because He tells us why He’s sharing the parable in verse 15. The Truth is there. He’s responding to the man embroiled in an argument with his brother right in front of Him. He wants Jesus to solve his problem over the inheritance, but Jesus refuses. He takes the opportunity to teach a parable and then doubles-down and teaches more about money and material possessions. What is the Truth?