There is an arresting verse in the Bible that should make us all sit up.
The parable of the rich ruler- recorded for us in the gospel according to Luke chapter 12 verses 16 onwards seems like a soothing bedtime story of wise planning much needed for wayward children, until you come to verse 20: God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you……”
Boom
If you read the parable carefully you will notice that the rich ruler was not named. He was a random guy. It could be you who are reading this, or me who is writing this. Yes , just about anybody. Whomsoever this guy is , he is doing nothing ostensibly wrong. He is buying insurance, investing in futures, getting hold of cryptocurrency, hoarding gold, dabbling in non-fungible tokens. Clever 21st century Alpha male providing for all his tomorrows. All the other guys similarly upwardly mobile would stand up and applaud.
There is just one problem. He reckons without his Master. Who gives you the ability to work , the power to earn, the wisdom to invest? Verse 20 makes it clear that it is God. Our friend has little time to think about Him, much less pause to thank Him while speeding down the fast lane of life. But God will not be mocked. “This night your soul may be required of you”; then what?
This is not empty rhetoric. Out of 29.5 million Indians infected by Covid, about 300,000 people have died. And who were these people? Your neighbour, your aunt, your second cousin’s wife/ husband, your office colleague. Now in the second wave, the play has come right into our homes. Parent , spouse youth, children.
Yes , random people but not random to you. They are your friends, relatives , your own flesh and blood. In the space of about 10 days several people I know personally did not make it. Musicians, singers – on the whole a lot more accomplished than I am.
Why I am I spared? Tell me why are you spared?
Perhaps there is a reason. Maybe you need a little more time to set your house in order, to review your life, to re-evaluate your priorities , to reassign your goals and return to the shepherd and guardian of our souls.
The Preacher says “walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.”
If there is one lesson that Covid should have taught all of us that is to be sober, vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)
Watch out folks, the enemy is at the door, seeking whom he may devour (ibid)
Who said the Bible doesn’t speak to us today?
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