Bible Pathways - Oct. 26, 2008
October 26
Highlights In Today's Reading:
In chapter 12 the Lord warns us. He uses leaven to warn against hidden motive. He hates all hypocrisy and warns against false doctrines. He warns against covetousness, greed, and accumulating riches. He warns: Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not (12:40)! His "servants" will be tested and to those who are unfaithful He will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers (12:41-46). Jesus calls everyone to repentance (13:3,5). He weeps over Jerusalem (13:34-35). one cannot read these impressive verses without catching the solemnity in which they were uttered. Jesus warned: Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (12:15). There is something very grim and terrifying in the finality of our Lord's next parable concerning sharing our faith and our possessions with those who need help (Matthew 19:21; James 2:16).
The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully . . . What shall I do . . . I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow ALL MY . . . goods. . . . But God said . . . Thou fool, this night thy soul shall shall be required of thee. . . . So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (12:16-21). This financially rich man was a prudent worldly man who rose to great affluence in the wholesome occupation of farming. He had all the virtues which the world applauds and often holds up as a model to young men. But he unconsciously implied how little satisfaction his wealth had brought him. Take thine ease is a confession that there has been no ease as yet in life (12:19).
For the most part, the world measures men by their bank account, new cars, and fine homes; yet, there was never a more fatal error since godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6). Contentment accompanying true godliness is not dependent on worldly possessions. The fact is, the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, (as a result) they have erred from the faith (6:10). If we have little, we are taught to be content with that little; if we have much we are taught how fragile is our hold upon it and how essential it is to be rich toward God since we must give an account to the Giver of all good gifts.
Christian friend, whoever you are and regardless of how much or little you possess, the Lord knows you and your circumstances and has chosen you to be His representative in the area in which you live. Fix your heart on Him.
The psalmist prayed: Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness (Psalm 119:36).
Thought for Today:
Don't let your life be wasted in looking for worldly goods. True life and satisfaction comes only in Christ.
Word Studies:
12:50 straitened =pressed with intense sorrow; 12:58 hale =take by force; 12:59 mite =a last fraction of a cent; 13:8 dung it =fertilize it; 13:24 strait =narrow, strict, illustrating no deviation from what God has said in His Word.
Cross References:
For Luke 13:27: See Psalm 6:8. Luke 13:35: See Psalm 118:26.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Mrs. Dolores Zick • Government Officials: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), and Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord for deliverance in times of trouble (Psa. 50:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33
