Rich Toward God

The text for this Sunday's sermon at Seneca Presbyterian Church is the parable of the rich fool found in Luke 12:13-21. Many of the parables of Jesus are difficult for us to understand - for a variety of reasons. For one, they reflect a time and culture that is not ours. Hence we don't "get it" that a bush growing from a mustard seed was considered not a blessing but a curse - a nuisance; kind of like kudzu in the south. Knowing that makes the parable so much more powerful. Other parables reflect the wisdom and passion of Jesus and may have been difficult even for the disciples to comprehend. I'm thinking here of the parable of the dishonest manager - another gift to us from Luke (chapter 16). Just try figuring that one out!

Then there are some parables that reflect kingdom values so clearly that we have no difficulty understanding what they mean - only living what they teach. The parable of the rich fool is one such parable. Reflect with me on its truths:

• What strikes you about the rich fool's interpretation of his predicament? What is wrong with protecting the just fruits of the investment of his own labor? 
• What do you think of God in this parable, especially when God calls the rich man a fool? Is God judging the man, scolding the man, or merely sorrowful for such a loss and such a waste?
• What actions do you think qualify the man to be labeled a fool?
• Do you interpret his sudden death as a sign of divine judgment? 
• What does it mean to be "rich toward God"?
• Can we be rich in things AND rich toward God, or are they mutually exclusive? Be honest here!

On Sunday we will not only reflect on this parable, but also remember the rich bounty we enjoy at Seneca Pres reflected in our endowment funds, celebrate the good they have done, and dream about what might be. But most of all, we will give thanks to God for the abundance of His blessings and seek His wisdom to be faithful stewards of His great mercy.