Bible Chapter: Luke 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The hypocrisy of the Pharisees.  They acted like they were something that they weren’t.  The were fakes.  To see them would make one believe they were very close to God.  In reality they were only playing a game.  Jesus warned that everything will some day be revealed.  That concept might have been difficult to grasp 2,000 years ago. Today we can easily understand how the things that we think are secret will be shown to all.  We are used to having someone somewhere with a video camera capturing events for all to see.  This is an important warning.  The lies of the tempter tell us that we will get away with it and no one will know.  God’s video recording system sees in the dark.
    This leads to a warning of who we really are to fear.  It has nothing to do with the conveniences of life here on earth, but the One who can punish our sins for all eternity.
    This chapter contains the well-known parable of the rich fool who thought he had enough money to live for a long time so he could party.  God told him that night he would stand before God, and then who would get all his stuff?  Priorities.  What is most important?  We have lived in a very materialistic world that is impressed with the biggest collection of stuff.  Jesus taught that the spiritual and eternal preparation is most important.  Those who neglect getting their heart right with God will lose it all. Verse 20, “You fool”.  Verse 21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”  Putting our own desires first always brings problems.  Priorities, put God first.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Don’t let worry control me.  Put my trust in God.  I must continually recognize that I am totally dependent on God for everything.  I can easily look at my own resources, but I must realize that nothing is permanent and God is the only dependable source.
    Verse 35 says we are to “Be dressed and ready for service . . .”  We are to be prepared to serve God and go with Him when He returns.  When Jesus left this earth the angels said that He would return to take His followers to be with Him.  It has been 2,000 years and many scoff at the concept.  In God’s perspective, 2,000 years is nothing.  We are to still be actively serving the Lord and ready for His coming.  The signs of His coming are more and more evident.  Jesus said some servants would be faithful, some unfaithful.  I must be one of the faithful ones.  Especially with how crazy the world is getting these days, heaven is looking better and better.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people by being the real thing regarding being a Christian. The fakes are standing out more and more.  The world needs to see that there are real people who actually live the life.  People need to see that it is possible to live Godly in this crazy world.  This is why I like Philippians 4:9. “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  NLT
    Paul said they could know how to live for Jesus by looking at him. It is not conceit to say the same. We all should be able to say that, look at me to know how to live as a Christian.
    I also can help people by learning from the rich fool.  I can help people see that “he who dies with the most toys wins” is not correct.  That should be said, “he who dies with the most toys, still dies”.  It is not the accumulation of wealth that makes the difference, but the connection with Jesus.  Actually the winner is, “He/she who dies with Jesus in his/her heart”.