The Rich Fool Lk. 12:13-21. We sometimes forget that this parable was told in response to a request from a young man. Apparently there was a dispute between two brothers. This one felt he was being wronged and so sought Jesus help. What was wrong with that? I expect both Jesus and the audience knew the background. We don’t. I expect there was a problem in valuing the assets or this man thought that he was getting less than his brother was. Is Jesus saying that in these circumstances the believer, the follower of Jesus, should be prepared to accept less than their share? Where is the line between prosperity, greed and satisfaction? Where is the line between greed and using the resources, that God has given us, wisely? While the actions, Vs. 18, of the man in the parable are quite acceptable from a business [and a pension] point of view were quite acceptable his attitude, Vs. 19, was not. What was wrong with his attitude? Assets give us a sense of security. Nothing wrong with that. Insecurity can lead to all sorts of problems. While we accumulate assets as a result of our own work and endeavors we must remember that it is God who gives us the ability to do it. Are our assets, then, to be regarded as a sign of Gods blessing? The people in Jobs day thought so, see Job 1. Jesus obviously knew the motives of the young man who had come to him. He was leaving God out of the reckoning and was more concerned with what he could get out of this life. Or was he? Didn’t he come to Jesus when he could have gone to any of the other Rabbis? Underneath it all was he insecure? Did he want to get it right with God also? The man in the parable obviously got it wrong. He left God completely out of the equation and suffered the consequences. While Jesus does not condemn the mans prosperity he clearly questions his motives and his objectives in life. What would we do if we found ourselves in that position where we had need of nothing? Have we answered that question where is the line between prosperity, greed and satisfaction? One thing is sure, one day we will leave it all behind. The important thing, Jesus says, is to be ‘rich toward God’. What does that mean? # Store our treasure in heaven, Mt. 19:21. # Seek first Gods Kingdom, Mt. 6:26-34. # Keep your heart along with your treasure, Mt. 6:19-21. # Remember, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil, 1Tim 6:10. What could the man in the parable have done to get things right and increase his spiritual wealth? What practical steps can you take to become rich spiritually? How would this parable have helped the young man who came with the original request to have the inheritance divided?