God’s Treasure
So is he who treasures up for himself, and is not gathering riches for God. Luke 12:21 translation by Dr. Kenneth Bailey

I’m struck with this concept of God’s riches. What is it that he treasures?

Two brothers set the stage for this parable, one demanding justice, the other totally absent. I think of two other brothers, Cain and Abel. God replies to Cain’s deflection “Am I my brother’s keeper?” with “The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” Genesis 4:9,10 ESV

What is it that God treasures? The very people we walk away from. The people we victimize in large and small ways. The people we cut out of our future. The ruptures in our society that raise cries for justice, to which we plead, “It’s not my fault!”

I am thankful that God is not a rich man with a barn full of contentment. I’m overwhelmed that Jesus spent himself to bring me into his family, surrounded by brothers. I pray the Holy Spirit would open my ears to my brother's cries and move me with God’s family values. I want to know my brothers well.

Reflect on life and the week’s events with this passage as a lens. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Luke 12:30–31 (ESV)