Luke 12:13-21 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:13-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." Verse 14But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" Verse 15And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Verse 16Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. Verse 17And he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Verse 18Then he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. Verse 19And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' Verse 20But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' Verse 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."
Devotion
Ever notice how Jesus responded to the expectations of others in unexpected ways? A reasonable request is made of stewardship and fairness regarding settling of estate matters, apparently with the assumption that Christ's influence would help the petitioner get whatever is entitled. Be careful what you ask for! Jesus responded with a parable and a warning of far greater scope and implications regarding Heaven's perspective on stewardship.
One's strength can also be one's weakness. I've successfully collected too much stuff, and the wish of this curator to display and organize might best be fulfilled in owning a warehouse. Truthfully, the more obvious response should be to get rid of the excess, in ways which prove to be a blessing to my family and others. Living with limitations and within one's "footprint" is good for the soul.
Prayer
Lord, I've heard it said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!" Help me to listen in prayer and worship, responding with hope, humor and humility. Amen.