But God Said
Today’s Verse:
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? ~Luke 12:20
As Bible-believing Christians, we believe that the Bible is the first and final authority in all matters of our faith, life, and practice. The Bible is God-breathed and is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." This morning, we see a parable that Jesus spoke concerning a rich man and that God always has the last word in man’s affairs.
We see this man’s prosperity.
“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully….” This man is introduced as already being well-to-do and rich. He had a bumper-crop year that substantially increased his holdings and made him very, very rich. This man was rich, was increased with goods, and had need of nothing. He was rich in goods but not rich towards God. Riches are a means to help others through good works, fundraising, and relief.
We see this man’s priority.
“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.” As with every person who sees a turn in events that increases his prosperity, he thought of self-promotion, self-protection, and self-prosperity. Proverbs 23:5 tells us, “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” This man was covetous and only thought of what his riches would do for him.
We see this man’s presumption.
“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” He presumed that he would live a long time to enjoy his riches. He presumed that he could take it easy and live a life of extravagance. He trusted in uncertain riches. “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall” (Proverbs 11:28). He thought that his life consisted of things that he possessed. He presumed without God. He did not think about giving glory and credit to God for his prosperity. He did not think about the question, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
We see this man’s proscription.
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” God condemned this man for his worldly and selfish priorities. This man thought that he would live for a long time and enjoy what he possessed. "But God said…." God had the final word about this man’s dreams and wishes. Paul said, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9). Be careful of telling God what you want to do. God has the first and final word on whatever plans we think we have. May it be said by us, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”
Have a heavenly-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 1-3