Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Luke 12:13-21                                  

Luke 12:13-21

We all know there are certain words, words used in the Bible that we don’t use or hear much outside it. Covet is such a word. It’s an older word that describes an inordinate desire to have what belongs to someone else. And to somehow depend on it. I mean really depend on it. Two of the Ten Commandments in the ancient church’s numbering of them deal directly with this sin. It is the setting of the heart and its hopes on anything other than God. Therefore, as the New Testament highlights, covetousness is idolatry.

Our reading highlights what we have come to know as “the parable of the Rich Fool.” Danger! It is so easy to read Jesus’ story here and come away thinking, “Well at least I don’t have that problem. I’m not rich after all.” Danger! Anyone reading this in the Western world is rich compared to world standards. Period. Next, and perhaps more dangerous: my heart is always set to want what flesh and world tell me I need most. Satan orchestrates the stilted desire and then “covers” it with errant thoughts so I don’t see my sinful desire as sin. Danger!

Jesus contrasts the desires this way: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Worldly treasure versus true riches. Self versus God. The distinctions could not be clearer. And Jesus graciously paints the picture before us so that we will be challenged to desire the life and blessings that He and only He gives. Rich toward God, indeed.