Bible Pathways - October 26, 2005

October 26

Read Luke 12

In Today's Reading:

Warnings against greed, hypocrisy; parables, healings, and teachings

The Lord illustrated the deceptive danger of covetousness by telling this parable: The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow (store) my fruits? . . . I will pull down my barns, and build greater (larger); and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine 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 hast provided? (Luke 12:16-20). By hard work in the highly-respected occupation of farming, this man had become wealthy There is no hint that he had gained his wealth by dishonest methods. His soul-destroying sin was that he spent his lifetime in self-gratification. God called him a fool, and then added: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (12:20-21).

Christians should not allow material desires to distract them from doing the will of God. We are not to worry about our future needs. As important as food, clothing, and shelter are to maintaining life, our first concern should always be to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By keeping our priorities right, we prepare ourselves to be all that our Lord wants us to be in order to accomplish the purpose for which He created us.

How we use our time and talents is an expression of our Christian faith. Christ taught that life is truly fulfilling by loving, serving, and giving in order to extend the Good News to a lost world. Regardless of how much or how little talent or possessions we may have or acquire, as good stewards we should prayerfully consider what Jesus would have us do with them.

Thou, O man of God . . . follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (gentleness). Fight the good fight of faith, lay (take) hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession (confession) before many witnesses (I Timothy 6:11-12).

Word Studies:

12:50 straitened = pressed, hampered, restricted; 12:58 hale = to take by force; 12:59 mite = a very small unit of money; 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 The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. Ken Mars · Government Officials: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), and Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) · Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe · Major languages: German and French · Religious freedom · 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for your friends (Job 42:7-10).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:14