27/10/2019 [Thematic Message 85]                                                         www.lifechurchmissions.com

How Do You Plan For Your Tomorrow? <Lk 12:13-21; Jas 4:13-17>

Prelude: God created man different from animals. The nature of human life is to exist to eternity. The nature of animal life is for the survival of the flesh. Therefore, one of the biggest differences between man and animals is that man is conscious of time. Man will plan and arrange for tomorrow and even while living, they will think about their funeral. But animals are only concerned of their survival. A lion catches its prey because it is hungry now, not because of the lack of food tomorrow or the following month. The ant is diligent in storing food not because it knows how to plan for tomorrow or the next year, but that it is a creature created to accumulate food. It does this because of its instinct, not because it has a concept of time, knowing how to plan for tomorrow. Of all creations, only man is conscious of time. Man will not be happy and satisfied after eating his fill. He will think of tomorrow and feel worried, or feel lost at the thought of death. Therefore, God gives eternal life and tells man not to worry about tomorrow, because God has made arrangements for our tomorrow. Even when God's people Israel were being taken captive, God told them, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” <Jer 29:11>. Because God knows that people are conscious of tomorrow and the end, and that people will lose hope for tomorrow because of today's pain, such that their spirit will be tormented. Therefore, God not only promises His presence today, but also promises the blessings of tomorrow and till the end, and man can live in complete peace and joy. But one thing we must understand is that when man is conscious of time, he also has the responsibility before God of how to plan his tomorrow. Indeed, our moral responsibility to God is related to how we conceive and plan for our tomorrow. Whether a person is proud or humble before God is related to how he plans for tomorrow. Think about this, why are our hearts confused when we think of tomorrow? Is it because I think that my current academic qualification is not good enough such that I am worried that I can’t find a good job in the future? Or are you lost because you don’t see a future prospect for your career? Or do you think that you will not enjoy good days in the future due to poor health? If so, then you are a proud person, because you perceive a negative tomorrow from your own (or world’s) perspective. Or you think that your tomorrow is very promising, because it seems that your current career, love, marriage, family, health are all very optimistic, and you are planning your life fully, knowing how much money you can invest now, your children are grown up and sensible such that you need not worry and if you look to the future, it seems that your various conditions allow you to enjoy the blessings till you are old. If so, then according to what the Bible says, you are extremely proud. Because in planning for your tomorrow, you are not seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, but you are only filled with your own plans, relying on your own intelligence. There is nowhere in the Bible that does not alert us regarding this, telling us that is how a foolish person plans his tomorrow. If we judge with a heart of integrity, the church is really full of such believers. A humble person who relies on the Lord is not about how godly his worship is right now, neither is it about the ministries in which he serves, nor the hymns he knows how to sing. Of course, it is also not related to how polite or modest he is to people, but it is about him having a heart that trusts God’s promises and anticipates his tomorrow, and makes arrangements for tomorrow.

1. What prompted Jesus to tell this parable? <Lk 12:13-15>

1) Someone in the crowd asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him

* In the Old Testament, God told Moses to appoint judges from among the Israelites, to hear disputes between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among them, so as to judge righteously <Deut 1:16>. In that case, this judgment certainly does not come from an individual’s discretion. The judges also cannot have any selfish motive, but should judge in righteousness based on God’s commands, laws, decrees. In <Lev 19:15>, God instructed the judges, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” Therefore, we know how much God values righteousness. But now someone in the crowd came before Jesus, only wanting Jesus to tell his brother to divide inheritance with him. He was not coming to seek righteousness, but only wanted Jesus to side with him. Today, many people only want to gain their own self-interests. In fact, they seek justice with the motive of getting their personal gains, that is not righteousness, but greed, to God.

2) From there, Jesus pointed out all kinds of greed in human life

* Here, the original language refers to: “covetousness”. The last of the Ten Commandments is not to covet. Covetousness has two characteristics: (1) It is the invisible passions and desires in the spirit. Murder, adultery, being unfilial, not keeping the Sabbath day, can all be seen. But covetousness cannot be seen, for that is the selfish desires in the spirit; and because it cannot be seen, before a person shows it in action, we will not know whether he has violated that law. Furthermore, covetousness takes many forms. The more direct one is gambling, some covet small gains, some do business using underhanded means, some take advantage of a weak point, seizing people’s wealth when they are ignorant or helpless. Thus, the Lord said here that we should watch out and be on our guard against all kinds of greed; (2) that is not because you do not have enough, but you desire to have more. Perhaps it is materials, but perhaps it is people’s praises, fame, etc. Sometimes, it may not be that we are not well, but because we see that others are even better, so we cannot be satisfied with what we have. This is like your child is already not bad in character and studies, but because you see that other children are even more excellent, so your own heart is not balanced. Covetous thoughts and all kinds of schemes will then arise. The vast inequality in this society emerges this way. That is because those who have still want some more, such that those who are already lacking have even lesser. Those who already gained continue to think of how to use all means to acquire even more. All these are the sins of covetousness in the eyes of God.

3) Then how is this related to our planning for tomorrow?

* Think about it, why do we act in unrighteousness and covetousness? The ultimate reason is because we set our life goal as having a more secure and comfortable tomorrow. We keep planning for the materials tomorrow, but neglect the heart of righteousness and satisfaction that God is pleased with right now. Think about it, when we are not seeking righteousness, but seek tomorrow’s security with covetousness, how can that bring us God’s blessings? Perhaps we may temporarily have some benefits or find some security, but we will eventually lose the help and security given by God, and we will have broken relationships with people around us. In such living and dealings, we cannot find true peace. Thus, when we talk about planning for our tomorrow, we cannot break away from our moral responsibility before God. If we do not seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness now, such that we need not worry about tomorrow, then we will fall into all kinds of self-loving and worldly attitudes, especially accumulating materials for ourselves; as a result, we will worry more and more about tomorrow.

2. The parable of the rich fool <Lk 12:16-21>

1) The ground of the rich man yielded an abundant harvest

* If we look at <Gen 3:17>, after humans sinned, the ground was cursed because of them. Thus, since man sinned, he really eats his food by the sweat of his brow <Gen 3:19>. Therefore, the common people have to labour in order to feed themselves (about half the world’s population lives on $2.50 per day). But this rich man received the grace of God, and had abundant possessions. This was clearly abundance given by God in His grace. Yet he was not grateful in his heart, but was troubled, saying, “I have no place to store my crops”. In <Ro 1:21>, it was mentioned that two basic sins of humans are, although they knew God, (1) they did not glorify God; (2) nor did they give thanks to God. Thus, they became foolish, and went and worshipped idols. Indeed, some people always grumble about their circumstances, but they never think that though they have average qualifications and jobs, but after a few years, their circumstances become better, and they are elevated before men. Their hearts should be touched by grace, but once they see others’ successes, they not only do not glorify God, but also do not know how to give thanks. Some couples did not have children but later have, but after that they are only concerned wholeheartedly about how to raise an outstanding child, they never give thanks to God for this child, nor do they glorify God because of the child. In fact, the heart of such people is already corrupted. Their hearts not only reject the truth, but what is left is only greed and pride.

2) After receiving such abundant harvest, he only asked,  “What shall I do?”

* This rich man did not ask, “I have so much harvest, how should I use it for God, or bless certain needy people, or use it on certain work of God?” He only asked, “What shall I do?” In the Old Testament, through Moses, God instructed His people about bringing their tithes (firstfruits) into the storehouse of God. This is not offering, but what should be given, even the worst Pharisees also did this. This rich man did not have the heart to glorify God, nor give thanks, so of course he did not have the idea of giving God tithes. Think about it, how many believers today value deeply about giving the Lord the rightful tithes? When the book of Malachi says that those who do not give their tithes to God are in fact robbing God, how can believers who do not give tithes be able to face God? Today, when we tell some people about giving tithes, they will say, “That is an Old Testament law, but we belong to the New Testament, which is a better covenant.” Therefore, the better covenant tells us that giving tithes is merely the minimum bottom line (just as being filial to parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery are minimum bottom lines for New Testament believers), so how can we not even do the minimum, yet claim that we are obeying the Lord? Perhaps, among those who offered 10%, 20% or 30%, there are those who are not saved. But how many, among those who reject the teaching of giving tithes, have life? Will this latter number exceed the former number? Indeed, the gross national income of Singaporeans ranked third globally. In comparison, we actually received very great grace, but today, how many Christians are like this rich man saying, “What shall I do, I have so much harvest?” In the end, the more they think about it, the more they think of what they have to spend on, not just current expenses, but also expenses 10 years or 20 years later. Such people live in materialism, and when they think about their tomorrow, they will all the more seek security from materials.

3) After that, his plans for tomorrow revealed his foolishness

* He started to get busy, but over what? He was busy building bigger barns, to store his grain and goods. He stored many grain and goods, so that he could lead a more comfortable life tomorrow, to last him for many years, so he could take life easy, eat, drink and be merry. His plans for his tomorrow revealed his evil. Therefore, the Bible calls him a rich fool here. The “fool” that the Bible talks about here is not “stupid”, nor is it low educational level nor lack of knowledge. The “fool” that the Bible is referring to is moral foolishness. Perhaps this man was very clever intellectually, but he was an extremely foolish person morally and spiritually. He was stiff-necked towards God, he found excuses for his greed, he gave his lifetime attention to tomorrow’s material possessions and comfort. Perhaps some people may think in their hearts, “How is this wrong? This is my money, I can spend however I like it. I can give whoever I am pleased with however much I want.” Thus, the end of those who say this will be the same as this rich man. God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Then you will regret. You say, “God, I will offer all my harvest and possessions to you.” God will tell you, “I do not want your harvest, nor your possessions, but I want your soul.” Therefore, <Isa 55:6> says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” God’s word calls us to seek Him today, and submit to Him today after hearing His commands. Let us not be like the rich fool, who only stored up for tomorrow. The Bible never dislikes rich people, because human wealth is also given in God’s grace, but when we have more money, we must be all the more careful not to become a fool before God.

3. How then should we plan for tomorrow? <Jas 4:13-17>

1) The Bible does not tell us not to plan for tomorrow, but the Bible does not like us to boast about tomorrow in our arrogance.

* Some people misunderstood that those who plan for tomorrow has no faith, because God says tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble on its own. Actually, not worrying about tomorrow is not the same as not planning for tomorrow. It is a fine line between planning and worrying about tomorrow, and sometimes when we are not careful, from planning it can turn into worry. Today, some people want to be in control of everything and be assured of success, but when they achieve their results, they do not rely on God, instead they rely on their power of prediction and control, that is boasting in arrogance. Because of today’s progress, wealth and success, they think that tomorrow will be better. But in the midst of this, two things happen in their lives: (1) they increasingly gratify and live by the flesh, not seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. The aim of all they do is the fruits of this life, and they do not ask if what they are doing now is pleasing to the Lord; (2) they become more and more proud. They do not acknowledge God in their hearts, and they rely on their own wits to get things done. Their peace comes from their current peace and health, but not from relying on the promises God has given them.

2) We ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

* When we are planning for our own tomorrow, we must restore the faith of “if the Lord is willing”. The faith concerning “if the Lord is willing” is not a concept, but practically testing and approving the Lord’s leading each step, year after year in our lives. First, we should acknowledge that our breath comes from the Lord, and is to glorify the Lord. Then, we must really not be too ambitious or think too highly of our intelligence to plan anything for ourselves, but humbly receive the Lord’s guidance, and in time, be lifted up by the Lord. For example, when our children are still in primary or secondary school, we do not need to think too much about which university they should enrol into in the future, what career path they should be taking, and then strive towards that. What is more important is to see clearly what the Lord is doing in their lives and how we should be teaching them, as we raise them up year by year. We also need not worry too much about the plans for the next 5-10 years. Today’s society often calls us to think about our future and career advancement, especially to set our 5 to 10-year goals and then focus on working towards those goals. Unless you are a prime minister like Joseph, and have also received the vision to store the surplus from the 7 years of harvest to be used in the 7 years of famine; if not, in a person’s life, it is like a journey in the wilderness. There are seasons to encamp, seasons to set out, sometimes moving faster, other times slower. If God has not revealed to us, and we start to think and plan by our own wits, it will often end in vain. 

3) There is something good to be done today, if you know it, go do it

* <Jas 4:17> says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. What has this line got to do with boasting in arrogance about our tomorrow? When we boast about tomorrow, say, “Tomorrow, I can do this, I want to do this”, there is actually something you should be doing today. Perhaps, before we think about how we can have more money to live comfortably, 5 to 10 years later, we must realise that there is the money we ought to give God today; maybe before you think about how your career will advance in the next 5 years, you must ask how you are treating and blessing the colleagues today; before we think about how our children will be successful in the future, today we must teach them how to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

4) God has promised, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” <Mt 6:33>

* We are children with a Heavenly Father. We are not orphans, needing to plan and gain for ourselves each day. We ought to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and obey His commandments. When the time comes, we will surely see God’s provision. Some people say they do not have faith like this, so they continue to plan excessively for tomorrow, but the more they do that, the more they worry about tomorrow. Actually, this is also a vicious cycle. Think about it, how can we have an assured heart about our tomorrow? That comes from us not planning anything for ourselves, but in all things only seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and after that, we see that whatever God has provided for us is beyond our imagination, then we will naturally receive the faith given by the Holy Spirit, and be filled with anticipation for our tomorrow.