Among the Jews, the father shares his property equally among his sons but the eldest had double portion (see Deuteronomy 22:16, 17). Maybe the 'brother' in the text was the first born and he wished to take the whole inheritance. Christ refused to assume either legislative or judicial power to determine controversies concerning them. See Jesus' response in verse 15. Greed is a sin which we have need constantly to watch against, and therefore, frequently to be warned against.
Great possessions are generally accompanied with pride, idleness, and luxury; and these are the greatest enemies to salvation. The rich are full of designs concerning this life, but in general, take no thought about eternity till the time that their goods and their lives are both taken away. How sad for the rich man to be called a fool (v. 20). He had just made the necessary arrangements for the gratification of his sensual appetites; and in the very night in which he had finally settled all his plans, his soul was called into the eternal world! Note who the Psalmist describes as a fool in Psalms 14:1. It is indeed, folly to live one's life outside of God!
What actions will you take to ensure that you are rich towards God? See Matthew 25:34-40.
O Lord, deliver me from covetousness and help me to be contented with what I have.
©Scripture Union Nigeria
REMAIN BLESSED!
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