Choosing the Good Path
Today’s Verse:
Luke 12:13-14 ESV
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
This man had a grievance. Maybe he was in the right. But Jesus doesn’t take sides. Instead, He calls it out for what it is: a distraction. Jesus didn’t come to be a financial mediator. He came to save souls.
Then He tells the story of the rich fool—someone who had everything in this world, except the one thing that matters: being rich toward God.
It’s easy to read this and think, “Well, I’m not rich.” But Jesus isn’t just warning millionaires. He’s going after any heart that tries to find security in money, property, or “getting what’s mine.” That includes us.
The kingdom of God isn’t about fairness in the estate. It’s about mercy at the cross. Jesus gave up His inheritance so that we could receive one that never perishes—life with God, freely given.
Let’s repent of our greed, our anxiety, and our scorekeeping. Let’s not ask Jesus to validate our earthly claims. Let’s listen to Him instead. Life doesn’t consist in the abundance of possessions. It consists in Him.
The Gospel text today speaks straight into that space: Jesus doesn’t get caught up in the world’s petty demands. He sees deeper. He sees your worth apart from your productivity, your schedule, or your energy. He’s not here to pile on — He’s here to give life that no sickness, no fatigue, no delay can take away.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, rescue me from greed and self-justification. Teach me to trust You above all things, and to be rich toward God. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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