Another week where looking ahead might have helped me out.  Good stuff as always from the lectionary this week.  It’s the Eighth Week After Pentecost or “Proper 13” if you’re into that sort of thing.  Here’s what we’ve got:

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
 Psalm 49:1-11
 Colossians 3:1-11
 Luke 12:13-21

Sliced and diced; that’s really the only way to put the OT lesson this week.  Many of us are familiar with the way it starts, “vanity of vanities…all is vanity.”  It was the final bit that got my attention this week, the section from chapter two. As I read King Solomon’s words, I thought about family businesses.  Solomon realizes that all the work he does on this earth, building up the ground, the nation, or whatever it is, will be passed off to the next person in line and its fate will rest with them no matter how much you have done.  I was reminded of the scripture about not storing up your treasures on earth from Matthew 6.  Matthew talks about moths, vermin and even rust destroying all the things we have gathered up for ourselves.  Solomon laments that those who follow may not be as faithful to the effort…they may be foolish.  Perhaps another thought is that it is wise to build up our family in faith, so that they be knowledgeable in the Lord and not ignorant of the salvation He provides, otherwise all is truly lost.

As I find often, the Psalm dovetails well with the OT lesson.  In verse three we talk about wisdom, which to me is directly connected to verse seven.  We cannot make our lives worthy by works or by simple earthly success.  Instead of being disappointed or concerned about that fact, step back to verse five and realize that nothing else matters but God.   No matter what storms or ills we deal with here, what awaits us in heaven is not affected because our trust is in the Lord Jesus and not in “goods” as the Psalmist writes.

I have to shake my head and laugh at myself.  I used this section of Colossians in my message this past Sunday.  Wasn’t I just talking about the advantages of reading ahead in this space last week?   True knowledge, knowledge of Christ brings about a new way of living.  Paul eloquently outlines the things such a life includes and things it does not.  I will never say it any better than he does at the end of verse 11, “Christ is all and in all!”

Luke 12 continues our theme, which is not veiled at all this week.  Jesus gives us a very short parable to answer a question about inheritance.   There is some exposition to be done regarding the question itself that will further lend to the preaching of this text, but it is really the way Jesus explains it (along with the backdrop of the other Scripture) that helps us.  When our life on earth ends, what is all of our wealth worth to us?  Yes, we could say that it's responsible to leave something behind for our family, but will they be wise with it or spend it foolishly and/or all at once?  We need to be “rich in God” as Jesus concludes in the reading.  As I glance back, I see Jesus purposely has the person speak to their own soul, not just to themselves, but to their soul.  We cannot tell our souls to sit back, relax and be merry, Much like we discussed this past Sunday, being a follower of Christ is constant work.   We have to keep the fire insurance policy current 😊

As I try to mention each week, these are just my musings as I read through the texts for the first time.   It takes much more study and thought to extract what God is calling for us to hear.  Spend this week with me looking into these readings and seeing what God is telling each of us.

God bless you and see you Sunday!