Scripture: Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to (Jesus), “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But (Jesus) said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 

Observation: Jesus had been teaching some important concepts and practices related to the Kingdom of God when someone (presumably a man) asks Jesus to settle a dispute about the family inheritance. Jesus’ response tells us the man was missing the point. The issue of a family inheritance was trivial compared to the issue of the Kingdom of God and eternal life.

Application: I do this kind of thing all the time – and I’m a pastor! You would think it would be easy for a clergy person to remember to focus on the Kingdom of God but you’d be wrong. I get caught up in trivial and/or material things more than I’d like to admit. That said, yesterday was a small victory.

I’ve been trying to focus on keeping a Friday Sabbath for well over a year now. To be honest, I’m often my own worst enemy. I allow other things to take priority over time to rest and abide with God. I’m glad to say yesterday was different. I experienced a genuine day of Sabbath rest for the first time in a while. Now if I can just keep it up.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know we get easily distracted by things that appear to be important, but often are not. We choose other things over time with you. Give us grace to get our priorities straight and experience the blessing of deeper life with you. Amen.