Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The Rich Fool

Reading: Luke 12:13-21

Key Verse: “”Beware! Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are” verse 15 TLB

This passage is known as “The Parable of the Rich Fool”. Jesus told a story to illustrate how we should prioritise our lives. He identified the problem of greed and obsession with materialism. In Jesus story the rich fool was only focussed on increasing the value of his possessions and enlarging his property to create a greater impression.

In the language of the Bible, a fool is not someone with mental deficiency. Instead it is a person who should know better but consistently makes bad choices with painful and destructive outcomes. At times, all of us can make unwise decisions but a fool rejects God (Psalm 14:1), refuses instruction (Prov.1:7), mocks believers and has a humanistic personal value system. A fool pursues a way of life that will eventually destroy him (Prov.1:32).

In Jesus parable the fool’s values are centred on himself, his possessions and his status. He does not even consider God in his life or his plans. There is nothing wrong with being rich but Jesus emphasised that is not what real life and real living is all about. The fool thought that increased wealth would result in contentment and pleasure but greed blinded him to greater and more fulfilling spiritual priorities.

Prayer: Thank You Holy Spirit that because of you I can enjoy real life and real living