VERSE:
Someone in the crowed said to [Jesus], “teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
— Luke 12:13-15

THOUGHT:
I have been told “Jesus is interested in every aspect of your life”. It is apparent from this verse that that is not necessarily true. Jesus was not interested in getting involved in this man’s dispute with his brother over an inheritance. Why not? The man would seem justified to ask Jesus to help exercise justice by having his brother split the inheritance. Shouldn’t we come to Jesus for all of our concerns? I believe the answer is no – we shouldn’t come to Jesus for all of our concerns. We should come to Jesus for all of His concerns.

I don’t believe that Jesus blew this man off because He was uninterested in the man’s life. Rather, I believe that Jesus was too interested in the man’s life to contribute to his disinterestedness of the things of God. Jesus was exposing the man’s greed behind the plea – how his priorities were out of place. Why didn’t the man ask Jesus to preach the kingdom of God to his brother? Jesus was trying to show him that there are far greater things to worry about than a stupid earthly inheritance that will just burn up one day.

Christians should not give their time and attention to trivial matters of earthly pursuits. We especially shouldn’t try to bring Jesus into them. When we do, it is an indicator that we are more concerned about advancing ourselves than advancing His kingdom. The Apostle Paul understood this as he walked on the edge of eternity. That’s why he wrote “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:5-7).

APPLICATION:
Before asking Jesus to get involved in a particular situation, search your motives behind the request. Ask yourself (in light of scripture), and ask Jesus if it is a matter that He would concern Himself with.

DISCLAIMER:
There is a very likely possibility that one may misunderstand the purpose behind this thought and application. I would never dissuade anyone from coming to Jesus as our Father and laying your requests before Him. The purpose of this thought and application is so that you would examine yourself inwardly to see if you may be more concerned about your present felt needs than you are concerned about Jesus’ mission and purpose for your life.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times that I have put my present felt needs before your call on my life. If I have ever hindered your work of saving grace in someone’s life because of my greed, please forgive me. Lord I commit myself to living life with your priorities in mind, and I renounce all selfish gain in your Name. Help me live to this commitment, in Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!

For a related verse of the day, see http://seansverse.blogspot.com/search?q=why+not+rather+be+wronged