“The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, ‘Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’
“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight, you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?
“That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”

(Luke 12:15-21, MSG)

This week we continue our series, Short Stories by Jesus.  Our story is not a very familiar one but it is one packed with lessons for us to ponder. It is the story of a rich man whom God calls a Fool!  You can read it for yourself in Luke 12:15-34.

How many times have you thought, “I need a bigger closet!”  I have thought this often…but the truth is I need to pare down my clothes, give to others what I no longer wear and stop holding on to things for sentimental reasons.  I am the first to admit a bigger closet would be much easier!  Then I hear Jesus’ story…

The farmer, he had good intentions.  He had a successful harvest, and he needed more storage space.  Where the story takes a turn is with his intentions.  His heart was focused in the wrong direction!  He was focused on storing his overflow all for himself, so he could live “the good life.”  He wasn’t thinking about what his bumper crop could do for his neighbors or how he could help others with his overflow.  What good is it all when we no longer walk this earth?

The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Luke 12:34)

So friends, what are the things we are focused upon?  Do they bring us closer to the kingdom of God or further away?  What are the things that we are holding on to that perhaps are holding us back?  How can we shift our focus?

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

“Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Luke 12:33-34, MSG)