Jesus is Essential
Luke 12:13–15: Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
At this point, a man in the crowd interrupted Jesus and asked Him to solve a family problem. Rabbis were expected to help settle legal matters, but Jesus refused to get involved. Why? Because He knew that no answer He gave would solve the real problem, which was covetousness in the hearts of the two brothers. (The “you” in Luke is plural.)
As long as both men were greedy, no settlement would be satisfactory. Their greatest need was to have their hearts changed. Like too many people today, they wanted Jesus to serve them but not to save them. Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be truly satisfied. 1
Walking with Jesus
The Lord is teaching us to find contentment in a relationship with Him, and not in a relationship with the world. What is God asking you to surrender in order to be set free? Is it an ambition or is it a desired possession? Or is it a current possession or ungodly behavior that is now possessing you? Will You surrender it to Him now?
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Satisfaction is found in having less and doing more.
Praying
Lord, I am thankful that You see the real me behind any hypocrisy.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
