Luke 12: 13-21 (Common English Bible)

In Luke chapter 12, the scene opens with someone wanting his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Of course family arguments over an inheritance have gone on forever. The grieved brother turned to Jesus for help, but instead of judging the two brothers, Jesus told him and the other people in the crowd a parable.

“There was a rich man, who probably was a farmer, who had a good year with his crops. And this farmer would now have enough money to build a bigger barn to store his many crops. The farmer thought good times were ahead for him. But God, with scathing words, said, Fool! Tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared for yourself? This is the way it will be for those who hoard wealth for themselves, and are not rich in heart toward God.”

The crowd who came to hear Jesus speak, was stunned by this parable. They expected a happy ending, because they believed this farmer was blessed by God with all the wealth he had. God is not impressed by people who are wealthy. People who are poor mean more to God than the rich. The farmer was focused on the wealth he had and became isolated from others. By contrast the Kingdom of God is about sharing, equality for everyone and working together for the Glory of God.

Greed and selfishness seems to be nearly all over the world today, especially in America. It seems like we’ve returned to the Gilded Era of the late 19th century, when Economic Royalists controlled everything. And this greed would’ve continued, but workers were sick and tired of being exploited by the rich. So workers rose up by the thousands and many went on strike. In most cases the strikers won and it led to one of greatest pieces of legislation in American history, the New Deal.

A few weeks ago, a piece of legislation was passed by Congress that is the direct opposite of all the goodness the New Deal created. It was called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” I call it the One Big Selfish Bill. It basically steals from the poor to give to the rich. We need a Robin Hood today to battle these Robber Barons and I hope he looks like Errol Flyn.

It is estimated this so-called “Beautiful Bill” will cut $700 billion dollars from Medicaid over a ten year period, leaving Medicaid patients stranded because of these cuts. This infamous Bill also cuts spending for SNAP benefits, which the poor need for food. It is estimated 7.6 million Americans will lose SNAP benefits. This so-called “Beautiful Bill” is the largest transfer of money in American history. Most of it will go to millionaires and billionaires and to buy weapons of war that we don’t need. The US already has enough weapons to blow up the earth 20 times over.

This “One Big Beautiful Bill” violates everything Jesus preached. Jesus hated the rich who exploited the poor and Jesus condemned war and violence. One thing Jesus taught was solidarity for all people who believe in the true Way as Jesus taught. With large numbers with like-minded people, a lot can be accomplished. 

Churches have the moral authority to help the poor in any way possible. If churches believe building a swimming pool or basketball court is more important than helping the poor, they are definitely on the wrong path. If churches care more about the rich attending church and ignore the poor coming to church, churches like that have lost their moral voice.  

But there are some Clergy who have put their lives on the line for justice and fairness. Martin Luther King Jr. is one. In recent months I’ve seen Clergy jailed in America for protesting against this “One Big Beautiful Bill.” They know many will suffer and die and wait until the brink of death before they go to an Emergency Room.

I will never understand why many political figures who boast about being a Christian, do the direct opposite of everything Jesus taught. I believe they are driven by greed rather than Jesus. What would Jesus say about this so-called "Beautiful Bill?” I believe Jesus would condemn it and the politicians who voted for it. These so-called “Christian” politicians need to read Matthew chapter 25, verses 31-46.

As we approach the table of Christ today, and as we offer our worship, praise and songs to the God who makes us whole may we become closer to God. Let us rely on God instead of one’s self because God knows everything we really need. AMEN