FPC of Haddonfield Lenten Devotions @fpchaddonfield - Tumblr Blog

MAUNDY THURSDAY — THURSDAY, MARCH 24th

Matthew 25:1-13 — Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids ‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Inevitably, someone in my household is missing something of critical importance each morning. Sometimes it is their glasses (my 9 year old) or their drivers license (my husband) or their reading log (my 7 year old) or their very special Stars Wars guy that is approximately a 1/4 inch tall (my 3 year old) or their keys, cell phone, shoes, laptop, notebook, checkbook, wallet and spare time to use the bathroom (me).

On occasion (and by occasion, I mean always), I grow frustrated by the missing objects. I grow frustrated with myself and think, if maybe I just took ten minutes for myself and ignored the fray, I could be prepared and ready to help. I often end up standing in the middle of the room, completely stress-paralyzed and unable to help anyone be prepared.

It is like the rule that in the event of an inflight emergency first, you take the oxygen mask for yourself and then help everyone else. You are of no use if you cannot breathe. You are just stuck gasping for air and growing purple with panic. You are out of fuel—like those five foolish bridesmaids.

In the parable of the ten bridesmaids, Christ tells us that there are five that are wise and five that are foolish. Five are prepared with enough oil for their lamps—enough to even make it through a long, long night waiting for a delayed bridegroom. The other five stay and wait, but are ill prepared. They do not have enough oil.

And we all know that Jesus does not like an unprepared fool. He might love him, but He certainly strongly advises us to not find ourselves in that situation. Christ is always reminding us to be watchful, to be ready, to be prepared, and to keep awake because we don’t know the hour in which he will return.

What does Christ mean by staying awake? Does he wish us paranoid? Does he want us to constantly look for the rapture? Does he want us so focused on the impending kingdom of heaven—on our bodily death and life everlasting—that we somehow miss the bits of heaven right here and right now in this space?

When the five foolish bridesmaids ask the wise bridesmaids for oil. Those women say, No—they refuse to share their oil. And the foolish miss the bridegroom. They miss out on the coming of Christ. Both the wise and the foolish waited the same amount of time. The wise were ready, so they could simply rest. The foolish chose to rest, even though they were not ready. The foolish wasted the time when there was a delay. They chose to simply do nothing to prepare.

We cannot always wake up each morning prepared—often we will find ourselves completely drowning in chaos and mess—but God wants to be watchful of these moments. These are the moments when we can choose to give up or we can choose to remain awake. We can choose to push through whatever needs to be done, even if we are exhausted and ready to give up. We must ready our hearts, even when we’d rather just rest.

God wants us to rest—but only when our work is done. He wants us to be ready, but he knows that being ready also means knowing what we will need and going out and getting it done. Once we grab our oxygen mask, find our keys, then we can rest and wait.

Prayer Loving God, wake us up this Holy week so that we can be ready to greet you on Easter morning. Prepare our hearts, our minds, and our souls for the pain of tomorrow and the joyous surprise on Sunday. We pray in the name of your son. Amen.

Patricia Adkins

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23rd

Luke 15:8-10 — Parable of the Lost Coin Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

(Note: each of the woman’s coins equaled approximately one day’s wages.)

I come by my thriftiness naturally. My parents grew up during the Depression and World War II rationing and consequently learned to value their resources highly. Although later life found them very secure financially, my father in particular made sure nothing was wasted, going to extremes to ensure that the last bite was eaten or that someone could wear a threadbare garment or that both sides of a piece of paper were filled with his illegible handwriting.

I think of my dad when I squeeze the toothpaste tube dry or drain the dregs of my shampoo from one container to another. While useful for stretching family finances, his example has perhaps best served me in my 30+ year career as the executive director of nonprofit organizations in which each dollar donated is a treasured commodity. I guarantee that if, like the woman in the parable, I lost one day’s worth of my hard- earned pay or the Wilmington Senior Center’s hard-to-come-by contributions, I would scour the corners of building and balance sheet on hands and knees to find it. And once found, my gratitude and relief would be immense, boundless.

How small my rejoicing would be, however, in comparison to the divine celebration when one of God’s children turns away from darkness and accepts the love and grace offered freely to us. God searches the ends of the earth for lost souls, but we need only open our hearts and minds and spirits to be connected to the wealth of heaven. Christ’s agonizing death demonstrates that we are as valuable as – no, infinitely more precious than the woman’s lost coin.

What we may find difficult is ending our own search for wholeness and allowing ourselves to be found and so made complete. Lent provides an opportunity to stop our relentless activity for something we perceive as missing in our lives and remembering that Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.

Prayer Gracious God, I look in all the wrong places for wholeness, while you wait for me to accept your gift of abundant life. Give me courage to stop searching and turn to you to be found. Connect me to divine wealth through Jesus and open my heart so I may hear the angels’ rejoicing. Amen.

Sue Getman

TUESDAY, MARCH 22nd

Luke 13:6-9 — Parable of the Barren Fig Tree A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.

Like any good parable, this story may leave you with more questions than answers. It is unclear what each character is supposed to represent. Who is the landowner and who is the gardener? What is the fig tree and what is the manure? Who is God and who are we?

For me, something feels deeply familiar with this parable. The voice of the landowner is definitely one I’ve heard before: See here! I’ve been looking for fruit on this fig tree. I’ve been seeing if she can pull her own weight, if she’s worth it, if she has any value at all. She hasn’t made anything of herself as far as I can see, so cut her down. For me, the landowner who demands fruit from the fig tree feels like the voice of society and its insatiable demand for production. Build. Make. Prove your worth. Your value is only determined by what you produce.

If the landowner is society, then the gardener—as the voice of wisdom and hope—must be Jesus. Where society declares that a person’s value is determined by what she produces, Jesus steps in to argue that a person’s value is inherent in her identity. That fig tree (or that person) is a beloved child of God and nothing can subtract from her value in God’s eyes. Jesus is always the one who fights for us to have one more year—one more chance—to become the people God created us to be. Jesus can always see our value and our potential, even when the rest of the world cannot.

Prayer Loving God, we are reminded especially during this Holy Week of your sacrificial love for us. Help us to see those around us as you see them —full of love and potential. Amen.

Laura Colee

MONDAY, MARCH 21st

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths

I had marked these verses in my bible when I was a student. We all studied so hard, learned so much, and were taught to deal with challenging cases and difficult situations. Of course, that’s what our education is all about! However, when I marked these verses I wanted to remind myself that my understanding and intellect do not provide a stable foundation and may even lead in the wrong direction. We need to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. We are supposed to think of him wherever we go, so that he can direct our paths. These verses give me a strong sense of stability and make me feel like I don’t need to worry about anything because God is in charge. I believe that God still wants us to analyze problems, to find solutions and use our intellect, but he is the one who leads us in the right direction, and provides the strong foundation.

Prayer Dear God, I want you to take the lead in my life. It is tempting to try and take things into my own hands but without you my life has no good foundation and I may not find the right path. Please remind me to listen to your voice and take directions from you. Amen.

Tina Edmonston

PALM SUNDAY — SUNDAY, MARCH 20th

Luke 14:15-24 — Parable of the Great Banquet

One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, ‘Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, “Come; for everything is ready now.” But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.” So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, “Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” And the slave said, “Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.” Then the master said to the slave, “Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.”

Prayer God, we know that Jesus dared to flip reality as we know it on its head—making the first last and the last first. For his radical boldness, he was condemned to the cross. On this Palm Sunday, I begin to look ahead to the cross, redeemer God. I see before me the rejection of your Son and the suffering he will endure for all the world. Do not let me turn away from his agony and the abundant love I can discover again during this Holy Week. Help me to live my life a life of boldness, especially this week. Amen.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19th

Proverbs 14:31 Those who oppress the poor insult their maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

Don’t we all want to honor God? The choir on Sundays, the stained glass and flowers, our pageants and ceremonies, we dedicate all of that to the honor and glory of God. But what gifts, what tributes please God the most? Our prayers, anthems, and solemn rituals mean little if we forget those we are meant to care for. Kindness is not flashy or grand. Kindness requires paying attention and reaching out. This proverb requires us to live up to First Presbyterian’s new statement of intent. We must indeed open our doors to Christ’s world lest we insult our Maker.

Prayer Dear God, our Maker, Hear our intention to let your love flow through our doors into a troubled world, and inspire us to follow through. Let us enact kindness wherever we see need so that we honor you always. Amen. 

Anne Vial

FRIDAY, MARCH 18th

Luke 10:25-37 — Parable of the Good Samaritan

This parable remains as true today as it was when it was written. How many people are left to the side of life because they are not like us or don’t believe in the same things we do? We need to be the Samaritan who came near the injured man “and when he saw him, he was moved with pity”. We are all good people and we need to “show mercy” to those who may need a neighbor. As conflict rages on in the world around us, we must try and find a way to reach out to others and make a human connection.

I pray today that you go out into the world and show mercy to another human being. A kind word or a helping hand can go a long way to mend a wounded soul.

Prayer Loving God, help us to feel the love of a neighbor in our time in need. May your mercy follow us in the work we do in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Larissa Willison

THURSDAY, MARCH 17th

Matthew 7:24-27 — Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’

If the house means "life decisions,” then I wonder when in my life I’ve been foolish or wrong. Is there a pattern? If God is our foundation, then putting Him first will help us not waste time and energy on things that don't last. He didn't create us to please others or be a "success". He created us to serve Him! Think back on what gives us joy and what gives us stress or doesn't work out the way "we" planned. If we put the Lord FIRST, the storm (life) that beats against the house (us) CAN'T knock us down, especially if we ask for God’s help.

 Prayer Dear God, since we are Your house on earth, we need you to be our rock support. We need to rely on You so we don't make foolish decisions. When we feel our "house" crumbling, help us to stand on solid ground. Thank You for loving us anyway and keeping us from crumbling. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Jill and Tony Mascena

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16th

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

College junior, Sue, a secondary education history major, was unsure if she was truly suited for teaching middle and high school students. During the 1970’s, the teaching market was glutted with future teachers. It was also a time when young women knitted, crocheted, sewed, and made needlework projects. Sue carefully chose a cross-stitch sampler with crewel border to illustrate this Bible verse, as she questioned her calling, asking God to direct her paths.

Several months later, her fiancé had a serious car accident, rolling over and off the highway. He was in a coma. Her Christian sisters and brothers, family, and friends prayed for him, continually. It was a time when trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him were all she could do, as she sat outside the intensive care unit. Three weeks later, on Easter, Mike awoke from his coma, returning to life. Continued hospitalization and then weeks of rehab ensued, as he learned to walk and accomplish daily living tasks. Through this time, Sue continued stitching, reciting, and praying, as these words of Proverbs provided comfort and assurance.

Two years after starting the cross-stitch sampler, they were married. Mike recovered, Sue found her niche teaching preschoolers, as they raised their family. For forty-two years, the sampler has graced the walls of the living rooms in an apartment and in the starter home which will be their retirement home. Sue is my sister, so I have read and reread these words over decades of visits. As she has shared them with me and so many others, I share them with you: a reminder to trust and acknowledge God, who directs our paths.

Prayer Dear God, we thank you for your presence at all times. Help us to acknowledge you in all things and to trust you to direct our paths, no matter how much we question or fear. Amen.

Nancy Ruth Wainwright

TUESDAY, MARCH 15th

Luke 15:3-7 — Parable of the Lost Sheep

As a 5-year-old at Sunday School, in what is now the Hospitality room here at FPC, I was told to stand behind a post as “the 100th sheep.” I was very shy and it was painful for me to be put out and pointed out. But, of course, the teacher soon “found” me, and this parable has been with me ever since.

I have always loved the image of Christ as a shepherd. One of my favorite hymns is “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” and no matter how many times I hear or repeat the 23rd Psalm, I am reminded of God’s ability to “round up” my emotions and calm my spirit. There is comfort in knowing that when I am lost, He will find me.

And then Christ calls me to “find” others in need—a challenge for sure, but a clear call to mission. Each Friday, a small group of us visit women at the Camden County Jail. It is often discouraging, and there are no delusions of instant healing, but we like to think that just one verse, one song, one kindness, may someday help in the healing of a woman broken by circumstance. We share God’s word, and together we share hopes for better choices and the acceptance of the Shepherd’s joy at finding us.

Prayer Loving God, remind us that we are always found by you. Send us out into this day to tell others who feel lost that they are found in you as well. Amen.

Janet Lehman

MONDAY, MARCH 14th

Luke 16:19-31 — Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

This parable is a challenge to understand. Jesus’ parabolic stories were more often than not so much like real life that those who first heard them would have had little difficulty imagining themselves as characters in them. And while images of hell or Hades were most vivid in books of the Bible like Revelation, Jesus rarely depicted a tormenting after-life. But the story of the rich man and Lazarus is unique. It paints a picture of a place of flames, and takes the listener to a setting far removed from normal life.

Maybe that was part of Jesus' reasoning behind this parable. Maybe it provided a wake up call to those like the rich man who did not see those in need of grace and compassion. And likewise, perhaps it gave hope to those who were ignored, pushed to the side and overlooked by those who had the means to address their suffering, those like Lazarus.

Whatever Jesus' listeners heard and however they interpreted this teaching, the more important question is what does it convey to us, to you and me. What I hear is a firm, one might say harsh, warning about the daily decisions we make in how we care for the Lazarus-like people in our lives. Suffering takes on many forms—physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We may not be rich in the same way Jesus' character was, but we have been blessed by God with various resources loaned to us in the expectation we will offer them to others. May this Lent be for you and me an eye-opening season, one in which we see and ease the suffering of those of God's children we encounter.

Prayer Gracious God, the gifts you loaned us are blessings to be shared. In observance of this holy season, open our eyes and hearts to those waiting for those blessings. Do not let us walk past each Lazarus in our paths, but fill us with the compassion of Jesus, that we might live as his disciples. Amen.

Bill Getman

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT — SUNDAY, MARCH 13th

Luke 16:19-31 — Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’

Prayer This Sunday, O God, wake me up to the reality of your world. Help me to see the people in need right in front of me. I do not want to live my life in vain, so teach me how to do the most with the gifts and resources you’ve given me. Reorient our thoughts back to you and your kingdom. Amen.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th

Matthew 5:14-16 — Parable of the Lamp Under a Bushel You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Carpe Diem — Seize the Day! How do you seize the day? First, realize that God has worked in your life in the past, thus you can have confidence that He will continue to work in every detail of your life in the future. Second, have faith that God has secured your future—no matter what happens. So, go out and make a difference in your world. Leave an impression on everything and everyone you touch because of everything God has done for you:

Live life on purpose, not on accident

Follow the promptings of your heart

Whenever you look ahead, be optimistic

Enjoy each day as if it were your last

When you spend time with God, His Word, you are

investing in eternity

Prayer Loving God, thank you for the blessing of today. Thank you for bringing us to this moment. Help us to see this day as a gift and to use it glorify you. Send us out into this day with your light shining from within us. Amen.

Bob Myles

FRIDAY, MARCH 11th

Proverbs 1:23;33 Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise. All who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear or harm.

I'm not sure that Solomon was talking about God when he wrote this proverb but that is how it speaks to me. I talk to God a lot throughout my day. I'm not so good at waiting and listening for His reply. That requires time and patience. It may mean putting aside a time to sit quietly and let myself be open to whatever comes. It may mean waiting for God to answer in His time. It may mean having to think about things that are uncomfortable and need to be changed. But one thing is certain, the answer will be filled with love and courage and power. Lent is a good time to begin to actively set aside the time and space just to be quiet and listen for God. Whatever happens as a result will be the right thing for me - and for you.

Prayer Dear God, I know you hear a lot from me every day. I'm not so good at listening to You. Please help me to quiet my mind and heart so that I can hear whatever it is that you want me to know and to trust that You will give me whatever I need to act on it. Amen.

Sally O’Brien

THURSDAY, MARCH 10th

Matthew 18:23-33 — Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt.So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

In the fall of 1973 I was welcomed to college with the school's opening convocation. The speaker that day was an imposing and powerful figure in the pulpit. His sermon was entitled, "I Am Not A Bitter Man!" He spoke eloquently about the murder of his 39 year old son just four years earlier. But every description of that son and each loss the father articulated was then punctuated with, "But I am not a bitter man! I have forgiven my son's murderer!"

Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. preached the most memorable sermon I have ever heard. And I have heard a lot of them (most of them my own!). His description of God's grace and the power it gave him to forgive the most horrific of offenses stands in such stark contrast to the action taken by the figure in the story from Matthew 18.

The servant in Jesus' parable owed his master 10,000 talents (one talent equaled about 15 years of wages). After pleading for mercy, that servant was forgiven the entire debt by his master—the whole thing! But no sooner was he let off the hook, he was caught demanding of a fellow servant the amount he owed him, about 100 denarii (a denarius being equal to one day's wage). No matter how much the second servant in the story begged the first one for mercy, the first one refused to grant it.

Dr. King had lost so much and yet forgave even more. The servant in Matthew 18 was given his entire life back and yet would not forgive even a little. I suspect most of us are somewhere in between when it comes to how much we forgive those have sinned against us. Perhaps Lent can be a season when, as we become aware of how much we have been forgiven by God, we can seek from God the grace to let others off the hook and so free them from their indebtedness to us.

Prayer We are forever grateful for the grace and mercy you have showered on us, O God. As we travel the road of Lent toward Holy Week, where we will be reminded, again, of your forgiveness through Jesus Christ, soften our hearts and stir us to forgive others. Amen.

Bill Getman

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9th

Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

This proverb begins by implying that Wisdom (Sophia) and understanding are one and the same, but the third verse suggests a nuanced separation. Perhaps this is simply a result of stylistic repetition. In any event, we are called to consider the meaning of each term in harmony and complementarity. Wisdom, the having of it, seems a settled condition resulting from the accumulation and retention of information, while understanding seems to include a more active, timely connection to context, motivation and application—why is it so, what circumstances surround it, what might be the consequences? Knowing the triune nature of wisdom/ understanding, the unity of which rises above “knowledge” or “information”, we might better appreciate the role Sophia plays in the enrichment and preservation of life.

In the midst of conflict and confusion, Wisdom—especially that wisdom that comes from an understanding of God’s grace and Christ’s admonition to love God AND one’s neighbor—we might find comfort in the words of Julian of Norwich: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

Prayer Loving God, during this Lenten season, we are searching for your wisdom and your truth. Help us to find guidance and comfort in your wisdom, even as it transforms us each day. Amen. 

Margaret Westermaier

TUESDAY, MARCH 8th

Luke 12:13-21— Parable of the Rich Fool

What do you think we can learn from this story? This parable teaches us how to ask hard questions about our own lives. It can teach us several things: 1) This parable asks us: Where do we keep our treasure? Is our treasure based on godly things or is it based on earthly possessions? The parable reminds us that our lives start with God. Our abundance should originate from the abundance of Jesus. Life is not about the material possessions we have, but rather about richness we have in God. 2) God does give us resources in our lives, but we do not want to keep our resources in vain. Our resources should be impactful for others. The parable asks us: What are we distributing to others as children of God? How are we sharing our resources with the world? Are we being selfish with what we have or are we being generous with our possessions? This parable is confronting us and asking these hard questions to teach us how to live as God’s children.

What does this story teach us about God? God is the best treasure for us and our abundance is found in Him. You and me, we cannot possess everything, but we can have joy in Jesus. Jesus can teach us how to use and share the resources we do have.

Prayer Jesus, forgive me because sometimes I’m like that rich fool. Help me to not store up treasures for myself, but instead store up treasures in You. We ask in the name of your son, who told us stories about how we should live. Amen. 

Maclean Onsewa Urban Promise International Fellow, Malawi

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