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by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 12, Jesus Christ is teaching about Hypocrisy, Fear, Worry, Finances and Greed.
In verses 13 to 20 we have studied that interruption from the man who was after more money from an inheritance and Jesus takes that opportunity to tell about the farmer who wanted to build bigger barns to store all his crops – a bigger bank balance – keeping it all to himself without much concern for anyone else. It is quite a devastating passage. Now, do remember, that this teaching comes from the lips of Jesus and people outside the Church do say to us at times, “If only the Church would keep to and stick to the teaching of Jesus”. Well, here we have some fairly searching penetrating sentences.
It is Jesus, Who in verse 21, teaches that such a man is a fool. He does not have much sense. He is most capable, but silly and unwise. The man who lays up treasure for himself is not rich towards God.
Jesus Christ is not against riches, but against selfishness.
If you were going to live in some other country you would make arrangements to send some money on - wouldn't you?
We cannot take it with us when we die, but we can send it on ahead of us, and I have discovered that very few people realise this.
How much is in your account in the Bank of Heaven? We can put money in that account through this branch of the Bank of Heaven Sunday by Sunday. Jesus says something about this in verses 33,34. Invest in heaven - where there is no thief - no rust - no moths eating it away – and no inflation devaluing our investment.
Wouldn't it be wonderful one day to hear - someone from Africa or India or Bulgaria saying to you in heaven - "The Father sent a missionary to our village - town - city - and I heard about Jesus. What the teacher said kept me going when I was about to give in and give up when the going was so hard. I heard about Jesus - that Jesus is My Saviour. The teaching I received strengthened me when I was quite down - quite weak. I became a disciple of Jesus. I continued to be a faithful disciple of Jesus through that encouraging teaching I received. And, I learned that it all came to me because you gave money to send the man with the message - the preacher - the teacher.” I have thought of that often when I have considered the recent visits to Uganda and Kenya.
Verse 34. "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." - says Jesus.
When I came into the ministry over 40 years ago missionary meetings used to be crowded and packed out. That is not so today. There was a little boy who was very early at one missionary meeting and he was sitting in the centre of the front row. The missionary asked the boy why he was there so early. “O the last time you were here I gave you a penny and I want to hear what you have done with it!”
If your treasure is working away in the Kingdom of God, your heart will be there too!
Jesus pours out all this teaching with thousands present. He speaks to the disciples – to those with potential leadership qualities – those whom He had chosen. Jesus was so aware of the important role these future leaders were to play, and He holds before them the vision of what they are getting into. Later on, they were to share the vision with others and they did.
Jesus spelled out the cost of following this vision and they did pay the price when implementing His vision – salvation in the widest sense. Within a few weeks, these men who are listening attentively, assumed responsibility for furthering and advancing the Kingdom of God. The vision was contagious. It was as if they were being infected with something which spread as they passed it on – a good yeast which the Holy Spirit inspired and used.
These men were men who had to get the job done, and we know that they fulfilled their commission as they obeyed their Commander.
From the beginning, they faced criticism and discouragement, but they became emotionally strong – mentally tough – and spiritually vibrant. They were servant leaders, as Jesus Himself was.
This is our inheritance. This is our heritage.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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