One of the major themes in the gospel of Luke is riches. There is the parable of the greedy farmer (Lk. 12:13-21), the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk. 16:19-31), the poor widow who gave two small copper coins (Lk. 21:1-4), and several others.
Jesus is concerned about how we handle our possessions and wealth. He is especially concerned about the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God competing for our delight, loyalty, allegiance, and the top spot on our priority list of life. “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Lk.9:25). “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15). There is more to life than this life because there is a spiritual realm in which we will live forever… either in hell or in the glory of heaven with God. Jesus is warning us to keep money from ruining our spiritual life now and in the hereafter.
Consider what true riches really are as you read another parable below:
A rich man named Carl loved to ride his horse through his vast estate to congratulate himself on his wealth. One day on such a ride, he came upon Hans, an old tenant farmer, who had sat down to eat his lunch. “If that were all I had to eat, I don’t think I would feel like giving thanks.” “Oh,” replied Hans, “it is quite sufficient. But it is remarkable that you should come by today, sir. I feel I should tell you, I had a strange dream just before awakening this morning.” “And what did you dream?” Carl asked with an amused smile. “It seemed there was beauty and peace all around, yet I could hear a voice saying, “The richest man in the valley will die tonight.” “Dreams!” cried the landowner. “Nonsense!” And he turned and galloped away.
“Lord, have mercy on his soul if he really is to die so soon,” Hans prayed as he watched horse and rider disappear. Carl could not somehow put the conversation from his mind and that evening he called his doctor. When the doctor arrived, Carl told him the whole story. “Sound like a lot of nonsense to me,” the doctor said, “but for your peace of mind, let’s examine you.” A little later, his examination complete, the doctor assured Carl that he was strong and heathy. “There’s no way you’re going to die tonight.” Carl thanked his friend and told him how foolish he felt for being upset by an old man’s dream.
It was about 9 a.m. the following morning when a messenger arrived at Carl’s, the rich man’s door. “It’s about old Hans,” the messenger said. “He died last night in his sleep.”
…Mike