Levi the tax collector, who had become a follower of Jesus, reflects on Jesus’ teaching:

Do you ever dream about becoming rich?

Who doesn’t?!    In my past occupation I came across ambitious businessmen all the time – they hated handing anything over in tax! The poorer folk hated the taxes even more. How they longer for a break: that little bit more in their pockets to give financial security. Sometimes they joked about striking it rich and keeping me busy! And you can’t blame them for dreaming! I do, it all the time! 

Oh, I don’t want to be filthy rich, I wouldn’t know what to do with it all! I’d feel guilty having so much to myself too. But … just a little bit more? A windfall of some sort? A business deal come good, or a bit of an inheritance? Just enough for a holiday or early retirement? That would be nice, wouldn’t it! It would take the pressure off…give financial security to me and my family. Who wouldn’t want that?  I think it’s reasonable, don’t you?

So, can you imagine my shock at what Jesus said just the other day?

It was all prompted when that obnoxious man came up to Jesus, practically demanding that he sort out this inheritance row with his brother.  I’m not at all surprised that Jesus responded with ‘Why on earth do you think I would want to get drawn into that?’.  Who did he think Jesus was; a lawyer?! (That’s a laugh – he obviously didn’t know what Jesus thought about the lawyers!)  And I’m sure Jesus was right not to get involved. I’ve seen a fair few families torn apart by rows over inheritance. It can get nasty. Best keep out of it!

But, of course, Jesus then went and plunged in feet first, didn’t he?!  There was something in all this that he didn’t like much at all.  Not the details, but the motive.  And while Jesus wanted nothing to do with arguing fine details, he went straight on to address the man’s heart.  There he saw selfishness and greed. And more than that, he attacked a warped view of life that assumes money and possessions are what you need for happiness and security.  Time and time again, he tells us that they are not!

So, Jesus starts telling a story about a man who did well in business, saved up, and took early retirement to relax and enjoy life for a bit. Well, he’d earned it, hadn’t he?  

To be honest, I couldn’t see the point of the story to begin with.  I was right behind this fellow Jesus was describing.  ‘Good on you, fella!’ I thought.  Everyone loves a self-made man, don’t they?  Hard work deserves its reward.  It’s to be encouraged. No-one can begrudge a successful person enjoying the benefits of their labour, can they?   Years of tradition have taught us that wealth is a blessing from God. Who’s going to argue with that?

But then Jesus threw the curved ball.  This man’s barns are full and he’s all set to enjoy the rest of his life, when he goes and has a heart attack!  Lights out, just like that!  What was all that scrimping a saving and celebrating good fortune for then?   You can’t take it with you when you die!  

Then came another analogy. Clearly this man had invested his money in the wrong bank.  And when the one bank went bust, he had no way of transferring his funds to another.  Too late he realised that the other bank was far safer and securer and would give everything he needed for life.  Should have invested there in the first place!

But how do we invest in the bank of heaven?  There’s a question, don’t you think? 

Well, clearly, it’s not by worrying about what inheritance you will get.  Maybe it’s more about building the inheritance you will leave?

And it can’t be all about ‘I, me, mine’, as it was for the man in this story.  Perhaps it’s more about investing in others rather than yourself? Living a generous life that is unfettered and free? Learning that giving trumps getting? Knowing that love rather than luxury is the goal?

Most of all, it seems it’s about learning to trust in God rather than any system that promises only material gain … really believing in his goodness and learning to rely on it … recognising that the fullness of life is a gift that God gives freely, not any right or reward.

Wow, that’s a lot to think about!  And it is so challenging!  Especially because, if I’m honest, I know I’m going to go on dreaming about becoming rich!  It’s so drilled into me.  But slowly, I believe, following Jesus is leading to a change of heart.