Big Barns Reader: Jon Watson Date: 24th November 2022 Passage: Luke 12:16-18 ------------------- For some years, when she was no longer able to look after herself, my granny lived with one of her daughters, my step-aunt. Where they lived was in a gamekeeper's house near Dunrobin Castle and the place was called 'Big Barns'. I have no idea why it had that name — there were no barns there. Jesus told a parable about a farmer who had such a bumper harvest that the barn he had couldn't hold it. So he decided that he would pull down the small barn and build a bigger one — big enough for the bumper harvest and all his other goods as well. And then he said to himself, "Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life." But God said to him, "Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods - who gets it?" At the end of his parable, Jesus said, "That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God." (v19-21, The Message) Jesus told this parable to warn us against being greedy for the things of this world while ignoring the claims God has on our lives. We can grab a lot of things but miss out on the most important thing we need — to know and follow Jesus Christ. PrayerDear Lord, please help me to get my priorities right and be happy with the life of following you. Amen.