"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'"
Luke 12:20 (NIV)
Death has a way of exposing what really matters. The rich man had it all figured out. His harvest was abundant. His plans were solid. His future looked secure. He would tear down his barns and build bigger ones. Then he'd retire early and enjoy life. But God interrupted his planning with one word: "Fool." That very night, his life ended. Everything he stored up went to someone else.
The man wasn't called a fool for being successful. God didn't condemn him for having a good harvest. The problem was how he responded to blessing. He made it all about himself. He talked to himself instead of God. He planned for himself instead of others. He built his own kingdom instead of God's. Success became his idol. Security became his god. And that made him a fool.
Here's what makes this story terrifying. The man had no warning. He didn't know that night would be his last. He assumed he had years ahead. He counted on tomorrow. But God said, "This very night your life will be demanded." One moment he's planning retirement. The next moment he's standing before God. All his accumulation meant nothing. All his security evaporated instantly.
You don't know how many days you have left. None of us do. Today could be your last day on earth. This week could be your final week. You assume you have time to get your priorities straight. You plan to be generous someday. You promise to seek God's kingdom when life slows down. But what if life doesn't slow down? What if tonight is your night?
The rich fool spent his life preparing for a future he never got. He stored up everything for himself. He planned for comfort, ease, and security. But he never prepared to meet God. He was ready for retirement but not for eternity. He had barns full of grain but a heart empty of God. And when his life ended, someone else got his stuff while he faced judgment.
Godseekers, don't wait until it's too late to live for what matters. You can't take your possessions with you. Your bank account won't follow you into eternity. Your achievements won't matter when you stand before God. The only question that counts is this: Are you rich toward God? Have you invested in what lasts? Have you lived for His kingdom or yours? Today is the day to decide. Tomorrow isn't promised.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the Lord of life and time. You give every breath and number every day. Forgive me for living as if I have forever. Forgive me for building my kingdom instead of Yours. Forgive me for storing up things for myself while neglecting You. Wake me up to the urgency of eternity. Help me live each day as if it could be my last. Give me courage to invest in what truly matters. Make me rich toward You while I still have time. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- If tonight were my last night, would I be satisfied with how I've invested my life?
- What would I start doing differently today if I truly believed tomorrow isn't guaranteed?
Step of Faith
Today, I will do one thing I've been putting off that invests in eternity instead of just building my own security.
