Steven A. Bush - August 15, 2021
The Foolish Wealthy Farmer
Matthew 6:19-21 are Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (ESV) In Luke 12, Jesus tells the parable of a wealthy farmer who was doing so well he just had to have more. So he built bigger barns to hold bigger harvests all the while giving little thought to God, his own fleeting life, and certainly not the needs of others. Using the harshest of terms, Jesus calls the farmer a fool! The man's trust was misplaced and he sought his own good and glory. And because his treasure was earthbound, it was obvious he wasn't rich towards God. But God's immense love is displayed by His generosity. He promises to provide, instructs us not to worry, and completely fulfills all such promises. But the greatest act of His generous heart was the giving of His Son to die for our sins. He did this to make His enemies His children. 2 Corinthians 9:15 is our rightful response: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!"