¹³ Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

¹⁴ Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” ¹⁵ Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

¹⁶ Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. ¹⁷ He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

²¹ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

²⁷ “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

³³ “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. ³⁴ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Luke 12:13-34

Dear God, I had a meeting today that included a remarkable woman. She and her husband have experienced a great crop in their lives. However, there was also a time of personal tragedy 30-ish years ago when they were struggling to the point that she said their church had to make their house payment for them for six months because of a severe medical emergency their child experienced. But now she has expertise, resources, and an incredibly giving heart. She has not just added more money to her bank account from the great “crops” that have come in for them over the last 30 years. She gives and gives and gives. And not just of her money. She gives her time. Our nonprofit is about to embark on a big project. She heard about it, and asked to meet with me and some board members so she could share her expertise with us. And she did, and it was invaluable.

The thing about her that I think Jesus is emphasizing here is that it’s obvious she has a relationship with you. Not because of what she says, but because of who she is. I just see the fruits of the Spirit in her.

I had a weird dream last night. I found myself in what was basically Nazi Germany and I was one of the vulnerable who was being hunted and trying to escape. I was able to make sure the people I was with got away, but I was left behind. After being temporarily caught and even shot (but I was okay because I had a bulletproof vest for some reason), I managed to escape and mysteriously found myself in a safe place. I say all of this here because, while I was scared, I was not terrified. When they were shooting me, I was disappointed, but not defeated. And the whole experience left me feeling sympathy for people in both Israel and Gaza right now. Also in Ukraine. When I woke up, I just laid their in silence and processed the deep emotions I was feeling.

I don’t know, maybe that has nothing to do with any of this. I guess the other thing I was thinking about today is some of the Christian media I consume and the danger of doing too much of it. One Christian podcast I listen to came out today and the main topic was discussion of an article about 7 (or was it 9?) things Christians disagree on that just don’t matter. So the hosts talked about the article item by item. It was interesting and thought-provoking, but not really soul-nurturing. Then I listened to another podcast that talked about current divisions in the Christian church in the U.S. and Europe over political lines. Again, interesting, but not soul-nurturing. I had to get up early for a board meeting this morning, so I didn’t spend time with you in prayer, but I decided this afternoon that I really needed to spend some time with you like this before I go to bed.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I love you. I need you. I need this relationship with you. You aren’t a theology, a philosophy, or a guideline for my life. You are my God, and I need you growing in me. I need you living through me. I need you all around me. That’s what this parable is saying. If I don’t have you then I am a fool. I don’t want to be a fool. Thank you for meeting me here.

I offer my life to you through the grace of Jesus,

Amen