Our Scripture meditation is based on Luke 12:16–21, from next week’s Gospel Lesson.
[16] And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, [17] and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ [18] And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ [20] But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ [21] So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
It’s worth looking below the surface with this parable of Jesus.
Some of Jesus’ parables seem difficult to understand. Bible classes spend hours grappling with the Parable of the Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:1-13). Even the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) causes some consternation. Why doesn’t the man who found the treasure first seek a rightful heir to the wealth, instead of buying the land to gain the treasure?
The meaning of our parable – The Parable of the Rich Fool – seems straightforward. It is a warning against idolatry (1stCommandment), placing trust in personal wealth over God. We could also make an argument that the “rich fool” was risking violating the 7th Commandment by exhibiting greed.
That said, we would do well to consider verse 15: “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”
Since Jesus is teaching about covetousness, the context of this parable is the 9th Commandment. Notice how dealing with covetousness would impact the other potential sins in this parable. If we do not covet, we are less likely to overvalue worldly wealth. If we do not covet, we are less likely to desire to steal or become greedy.
Given this understanding, it was worthwhile looking below the surface of this parable.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 