Listening and Believing

     In Bible study this week, I find the timing of verse 13 of Luke 12 typical, still today.  Have you ever been in the middle of a lesson and someone asks a question that does not relate to the lesson?  They throw the class off onto another subject that does not relate to the scripture.  Once in an adult class, a lady gets the floor and says, “I found a snake in my birdhouse this week.”  As she went in detail how she called her son to come immediately to take care of the snake, I wondered how the class would be directed back to the lesson.  The teacher uncomfortably managed.  Well, how do teachers manage when the subject changes?  Let’s look at Luke 12 and what Jesus said.

     In Luke 12, Jesus starts with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.  Jesus warns that nothing will stay secret and the truth will come out.  Then, he continues with warnings of who not to fear, those who kill the body, and warnings of who to fear, Satin.  There is no question that there will be persecution for those who confess Jesus before men.  Jesus comforts them with the truth that the Son of God will confess them before the angels of God.  In the end, when they are brought to the synagogues, the magistrates, and ones in power, “take no thought how or what thing you shall answer, or what you shall say: for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.” (11b-12)

     This is serious information.  Anyone hearing Jesus’ words and taking it to heart and consideration, should be soul searching.  But, what does Jesus hear after saying “for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say”?

     “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” (13)

     Did this man hear anything Jesus said?  “Even the very hairs of your head are numbered.  Fear not therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (7)

     Is this where his mind goes to the inheritance? “I’ll be of more value with an inheritance.”

     Are people listening as the Word of God is taught?  Can we get them to listen?  As we witness history, we know time is getting shorter.  There is less time to reach those who don’t know Jesus than yesterday.   So, yes, we continue teaching, witnessing, and praying.  There will be those who will be there in body but not the spirit.  As long as we have them in the body, we can pray that their hearts change and the Holy Spirit will give them a yearning to grow closer to God.  In the end, we have the promise of the Holy Spirit who “shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.”

     Now, how did Jesus answer this “one of the company” who was concerned about getting his brother to “divide the inheritance” with him?

     Jesus said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?” (14)

      Jesus did not answer the man.  He only asked a question.  Verse 15 says, “And he said unto them.”  Jesus did not say anything else directly to the man.  Instead, Jesus says to them (not him), “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”  Jesus continues with the parable of the rich fool who stores up the abundance of his crops so he will not have to work for many years.  However, the rich fool dies and all his treasures are left behind.

     Did the man walk away after Jesus’ reply or did he linger to hear more of Jesus’ words?  The scripture does not say.  I hope he came back and believed.