Luke 12 -- What's In YOUR Wallet?

I was amazed at all the margin notes I’d made in this chapter over the years!

Jesus said, “Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known.”  I’d written, “Don’t give anyone any ammunition.  Live wisely.”

When one brother asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide his father’s estate with him, Jesus answered the complainer rather than the one with more of the estate:  “Be careful to guard against all kinds of greed.  Life is not measured by how much one owns.”  The man was coveting.

Jesus said, “You must be ready because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect Him.”  Sure, this would include making sure to keep sin always out of your life, but He’s talking to believers here.  Their sins are forgiven.  So how do they stay ready?  By always seeking to add others to the kingdom.  That’s the only thing that’s really on countdown to His return.

Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.  And from the one trusted with much, much more will be expected.”  This isn’t one of the wealth redistribution speeches we’ve been hearing during this election season.  Knowing what God wants brings responsibility and accountability DUE TO that knowledge.  If He shares with us knowledge about Himself, then He expects us to share that knowledge with others.

Jesus said, “Do you think I came to give peace to the earth?  No, I tell you, I came to divide it.”  In other words, people will have to choose sides over Jesus.  Be sure to choose the right side.

Father, those listening to Jesus back then were likely dirt poor, and they watched as their religious leaders will all their fineries seemed to imply that holiness leads to prosperity.  So they felt unholy.  But here, You attacked greed and materialism, worry, and hearts that seek after material gain instead of you.  Please remind me that my heart will be where my treasure is, and let that treasure only be You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford