This very night

Tuesday   9-29-15  (Palma, Mallorca, Spain... home of Daniel and Noemi Rodriguez)

Scripture reading:    Zech 4-6   Luke 12

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 12:19-21 “...I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?'  "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” NLT

O.  Jesus puts life’s priorities in perspective.  He tells the story of one man, but it is the story of many of us.  Jesus says... “This very night...”  That is jarring!

A.  How common it is!  It is the story of millions.  I work for many years.  I do not waste my money.  I save and look forward to future retirement.  And when the moment finally comes I am too old, too weak and too sickly to enjoy it all... or I suddenly die and leave it all to others.

P.  Lord, somehow Your words, “This very night” stand out in my mind.  That 

“very night” is coming for all of us.  We tend to prepare for all the other nights.  We plan for nights of pleasure, nights of ease, but far too often we do not prepare for “this very night.”  “This very night” is, for us who know You, an open door into a new morning with You, Jesus... not because I am better than anyone... but I have believed Your word and have received Your gift of eternal life.   Amen.

Ralph

PS.  If we are going to safe up for the future, let’s be sure that our savings include the other side of death.