Articles
"This Very Night . . ."
Jesus once told this story:
“The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’” (Luke 12:16-20)
In its context, this story is a warning about focusing on money instead of God. It was addressed to two brothers who were squabbling about an inheritance (vv. 13-14). (One of them interrupted Jesus’ sermon, asking Him to intervene.) It was prefaced by a caution about greed (v. 15). Jesus’ application was, “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (v. 21).
The story reminds us of another important truth: life is uncertain. Most people die after a gradual decline, be it earlier or later in life. But not all. Some, like this man, meet a quick end. In an instant, all his retirement plans came to naught. His accounts were closed. He faced judgment. His time for preparation was over, and he was not at all ready. Are you?