What’s in Your Barn?

A Series on the parables of Jesus
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Luke 12:13-34 

[During the first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish, trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable moment”.]

 

Before being a grandpa, I never gave it much thought. But now that I have three grandchildren… I love it!

 

This past summer, we were together every Thursday having all kinds of fun. I called it - “Thursdays with Grandpa”. We went to the Air Force Museum; the pool; Olentangy Caverns; a baseball game. On many days, we ended with a special time at Wendy’s by getting a frosty. It was a great summer of memories.

 

My role as Grandpa defined me on those days. Of course, there are lots of ways that you can be defined. Jesus told a parable about a man who defined himself by his possessions – the parable of the rich fool.

 

It was about a wealthy farmer who had such an abundant crop that his barns couldn’t hold it all. So, he decided to tear down his existing barns and build bigger ones. After that, he planned to enjoy the fruits of his labor and “eat, drink and be merry”. There was one problem though, because that very night he died.

 

²⁰ “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’

²¹ “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”    MSG

 

The Message opens up the bigger picture of this parable. It’s not just about greed or covetousness or being defined by your possessions. It’s about losing sight of what is truly important by taking your eyes off Jesus. When that happens, we become control oriented, not God oriented; self-centered, not God-centered.

 

²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.    NIV

 

He calls us to “seek his kingdom”. To seek what is eternal. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves, what do I invest my life into? How do I spend my time, treasure and talent? Is it to fill my barn with Self or with God?

 

³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. NIV

 

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¹⁵ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

                                                                                                Matthew 11 NLT

 

Copyright 2022 Joseph B Williams