A Lesson from the Foolish Rich Man

Luke 12:13-34
"13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’

21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

22 Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? 25 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 26 If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 28 If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? 29 Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. 32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

A Lesson for the Foolish Rich Man
In Luke 12:13-34, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who had a bountiful harvest and built larger barns to store all his grains and goods, but then God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" Jesus goes on to teach that we cannot take our wealth with us when we die and that we should be rich toward God by using our wealth to serve and help others.

The story of the Rich Fool teaches us several valuable lessons about the dangers of greed and the fleeting nature of material wealth. First and foremost, it reminds us that our time on this earth is limited and that we should not spend it hoarding wealth for ourselves. The rich man in the story thought he had plenty of time to enjoy his wealth, but death came unexpectedly and he was not able to take any of it with him.

Secondly, Jesus warns us that greed can lead to a false sense of security. The rich man thought he had everything he needed, but he was still not satisfied. In fact, he was so focused on his wealth that he did not even consider the needs of others.

Lastly, this parable is a call to live a generous life. We should use the blessings God has given us to help others and make a difference in the world. It reminds us that our lives are not about accumulating as much wealth and possessions as possible, but about making a positive impact on the lives of others.

So, brothers and sisters, let us remember that material wealth is fleeting and that true riches come from living a life that is rich towards God. Let us use the blessings we have received to help others and make a difference in the world. Let us not be like the Rich Fool, but instead, let us be wise stewards of the resources God has given us.