By[13] “Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” [14] But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” – Luke 12:13-14 (NKJV)
I’ve wondered why Jesus responded to this aggrieved man in Luke 12 just like that. If your father left an inheritance for you and your brother, but your brother hasn’t divided it with you, what do you do? Some people in this kind of situation take their siblings to court. A friend has even shared a story of how some of her family members fought over the inheritance of their father, who married two wives.
In Luke 12:15 (NKJV), Jesus said to everyone, not just the (aggrieved) man, that,
“… Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
So Jesus didn’t condemn the man of guilt for his request. He was against the spirit of greed developing inwardly because of his grief. God is a judge, both over physical and spiritual affairs. But He hates covetousness. That is why He doesn’t answer prayer requests with selfish intentions behind them (see James 4:3).
Please get me right. It’s God’s will to bless you, so much so that you’ll not be dependent on anybody. But beware of ungodly cravings. When it comes to money, such desires develop when fed until it becomes the love of money in your soul.
The eternal life Jesus has given you is beyond what you physically have. It’s about knowing Him, so much so that every blessing from Him aids you in enjoying life as you fulfil your divine mandate. Live with Jesus as your focus. It is well with you.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, lead me in the everlasting way. Help me not to succumb to ungodly cravings that don’t have You in focus. In You, I live, move and have my being. Thank You, Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 187
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