Jesus is confronted by a man blinded by covetousness. This man wants to lay claim to part of an inheritance that legally does not belong to him. Reading between the lines one might get the idea that he has tried this before without success. But witnessing the authority of Jesus both in word and deed, he makes the decision to stand out in the crowd to his brother's share of the inheritance.
His covetousness blinded him to the consequences. "Beware", Jesus told him, beware of the costs of covetousness. Think of the broken family relationships, missing out on family celebrations and occasions. Think of the tensions and stress in the family if he should show his face. He was so blinded by his covetous desires that it seems he either failed to take any of this into account or he simply didn't care. My friends that is a very sad state of affairs when the "stuff" or the "deal" or the "power" is more important than the people, than the relationship with God. Let's not forget the tenth commandment which is a clear prohibition against coveting. This is a warning that we need just as much as in Jesus' time. Jesus follows this with the account of a man who came into wealth. He hit the jackpot. But he didn't seek God's wisdom or will about it. Clearly, it was all about him, I will, I will say to my soul, my barn, my goods and his new found wealth blinded him from a personal relationship with God. Look around, it seems many may have fallen for the same deception. From our vantage point, it seems he is living the dream. He is answerable to no one. He was living with no thought for God, for eternity, for souls. His wealth was all about him. Blinded! Until at a random moment his soul was required of him. He wasn't prepared. He thought life marched to the beat of his drum but was sadly mistaken. Jesus cares about your soul. My brothers and sisters we have no reason to be sucked into the trap of covetousness. The Father knows our needs and He is our Jehovah Jireh. Let's remember the words of Jesus,
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Mark J HillPastor Archives
June 2017
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