Many of the sayings of Jesus in Luke 12 are challenging. They were addressed to the generation that would experience the destruction of Jerusalem and their nation by the Romans: their lives were going to be turned upside down. And yet, rather like today, many people were self-centred. Their religious beliefs were just a ‘decoration’ to their lives. However, they recognised Jesus spoke with authority and one man wanted him to use that authority in the wrong way. “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” (verse 13). Jesus responded, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” This man’s mind was focused on his present life and how Jesus could help him: but that is the role of Jesus and his saints in the kingdom (see Psalm 149).

This exchange caused Jesus to address the crowd, “Take care, and be on your guard against covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (verse 15). But that is exactly what the lives of many consist of today, along with pleasurable activities.

This leads Jesus to tell the parable of a rich man who stored up possessions and said to himself, “Soul you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink and be merry” (verse 19). But that night God caused him to die! Jesus made the point, so “is the one who is not rich toward God”.

The future of those who are rich toward God is spelt out in one of today’s Psalms. David looks to the time when “I will extol you my God and King, and bless your name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name …” (Psalm 145:1,2). Truly, “The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (verse 20).

Let us make sure we show our love for Him, for He knows what our lives consist of. He also knows what our world will soon experience, but He will preserve “all who love him”.