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Read > Luke 12:1-21

The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all (v. 2).

In Luke 12, Jesus uses an illustration of a little leaven slowly permeating and transforming a mass of dough to describe the negative influence of the Pharisees. He describes them as hypocrites (v. 1), but also warns that a time is coming when the truth will be there for everyone to see (v. 3). That’s why He instructs His listeners not to be afraid of those who make the rules, but to fear God and to remember that God loves them (v. 4-7). Jesus teaches that we are not to be anxious when times are tough and we face persecution, for the Holy Spirit will strengthen and lead us (vv. 11-12).

Each day we face the risk of allowing the anxieties, standards, and ideas of the world to permeate our lives. To avoid this path, we need to place the right value on things.

In the parable of the rich fool (vv. 16-21), Jesus warns us about the dangers of getting it all wrong. The rich man is simply living for “now.” But our earthly possessions only last for this life. Since we will spend eternity with God, the things of this life should be valued less than those that will last forever. God tells the rich fool: “You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” (v. 20).

In light of that wrong way to live, let’s choose the right things and live a life that glorifies God – one that isn’t marred by hypocrisy (v. 1). This includes putting our faith in God and not the things of this world. As Jesus warned, there will come a time when “everything that is covered up will be revealed” (v. 2). The Son of Man (Jesus Christ) will come again to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20:11-15). Let’s live “now” for “then.” – Kevin Gregory

More >

·         Isaiah 29:13-14

·         Matthew 6:19-21

·         Romans 2:1-11

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What things of the world are influencing you? In what areas of your life are you being a “hypocrite”?