PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

Jesus' lessons on covetousness, greed and giving

"And he spoke a parable unto them saying, 'The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he (the rich man) thought to himself saying, 'What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?' And he said,

'This I will do: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

'And this I will say to my soul (the rich man continued), 'Soul, thou has much goods laid up for many years. Take thy ease, eat, drink, and be merry.'

"But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night, thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou has gathered?'

So is he that lay up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God." (Luke 12:16-21)

The Story

Something led to this parable being shared. Someone in the congregation Jesus taught brought a petition: 'Master, speak to my brother to divide the inheritance with me'. (Luke 12:13). Jesus in response warned against covetousness (immoderate desire for the possession of something, especially for wealth).

He added that 'A man's life consist not in the abundance of things which he possesses.' (12:15) In the next verses, he shared this parable.

The Rich Man

This man had a huge turnover in this farm business; the proceeds were beyond his storage capacity. So he decided to expand his barns to contain his harvest.

There is nothing wrong about these. Where he missed it is that he failed to recognise the giver of the harvest –God.

The farmer proceeded to boast; he gave himself the assurance of sufficient relaxation. There was no thanksgiving to God in his words; the praises went to himself!

His confidence hung on the availability of the produce from his farm.

Whereas Ecclesiastes 12:1 says:

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”

Be Rich Towards God

God appeared to the rich man and told him that his life will be demanded that night, calling him 'thou fool'. The next thing God said to him, ('whose shall those things be which thou has gathered?') shows that his possessions will be shared among the living.

This is what the man would have considered as he celebrated his harvest –sharing with others, and the needy. Being rich towards God means a lot. Inclusive is giving to God and to the interest of His Kingdom. It also means giving to your fellow man.

Be Generous With Your Blessings

Jesus continued expounding on this parable until verse 59. In verse 33, he told a man, 'Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide yourself purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease...'

This is what it means to be 'rich towards God'. Filling your heavenly account with good works, done to God's work and humanity; by extending the influence of your blessings to those around you. The man in the parable was rich, yet foolish.

Be Rich, Be Wise

Our riches and wealth cannot secure us a place in God's Kingdom. But we can serve God with our wealth by supporting God's work, helping others and promoting the Kingdoms of God. By so doing, you increase your spiritual wealth (your spiritual account in heaven.)

This does not guarantee salvation, Jesus does. Yet, this is equally pleasing in God's sight, and you'll be blessed the more, both on earth and in Heaven.

Be rich and wise, recognize God; give to others. God bless you.

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