In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells a parable about a wealthy farmer who was blessed by God with a bumper crop. His return was so abundant that he decided to build bigger barns so that he could store away all the abundance for himself. He then decides to kick back, take it easy, and live out the rest of his days indulging himself, denying himself of nothing. But God said, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you” (v. 20). Jesus ends the story by saying, “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God” (v. 21).
But wait a minute! Jesus, you just shot down the whole American Dream!
From the time I was small up until now, from my parents and caring friends, even from the pulpit, I’ve been taught that I should do what the wealthy farmer in the story did: work hard and save, store up for the future; the goal being to save enough money that I can retire and enjoy myself – and my family – in my twilight years. We call it “financial security” and “financial independence”. These are to be pursued and desired above all else. But Jesus says, “Not so.”
In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus presents his way of security and independence – and it stands in glorious contrast to the American Dream.
He tells us to consider the ravens (considered unclean under Jewish ceremonial law): “They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them” (v. 24). God loves and values us more than the birds, Jesus says. Have you ever seen a scrawny bird? Have you ever seen any bird with a stomach bloated from malnutrition? Have you ever seen a bird on the sidewalk holding a cardboard sign that reads, “Will work for food” or “Need help”? And you never will, because God feeds them. “And how much more valuable you are than birds!”, says the Lord.
He also tells us to consider the lilies, in particular how they grow: “They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (v.27). God loves and values us more than the lilies. He will clothe us in a splendor that only he can give. Have you ever seen a flower worrying about it’s appearance? Have you ever seen plants striving to provide their own clothing? Do flowers have to get for themselves their beauty? No, because God our Father provides for them everything they need to be adorned with a beauty and radiance that surpasses Solomon’s most regal attire. “How much more will he clothes you?”, Jesus asks.
Jesus ends by telling us how to be truly wealthy and rich toward God. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys” (vs. 32-33). How do you secure your future? Give to the poor. Jesus says then your heart will be with God. If your treasure is stored on earth, then your heart will be also. And if your treasure can be stolen by thieves and eaten by moths, then your heart will be, too. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (v.34). But if your treasure is in heaven, then your heart will be, too. And if your treasure is in heaven, it will never be exhausted; neither will your heart. And the purses – the generosity and the abundance of love – in your heart will never wear out.
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