The Parable of the Rich Fool by Rembrandt, 1627.
Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after. … But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
Luke 12:29-31.
These words are just as up-to-date today as when they were spoken by Jesus Christ. It is still possible to regard eating and drinking as a symbol of life on this side of the grave.
A newspaper once published a questionnaire for its readers on the subject: What is the most important thing in your life? Many responded. One woman wrote: “Not letting things get you down, but loving life.” Another person thought: “Boosting your self-confidence.” A city dweller stated, “In my life peace, health and good friends are essential. I can rely on my friends. They help to make living together more enjoyable.” The final word goes to the father of a family: “For me my children are the most important thing with the wish that they can grow up and live happily and peacefully.”
All these answers are understandable. But does nobody think any further than that? Are earthly, passing conditions really everything? There is still the kingdom of God. Even if it was not mentioned in an answer, for this calendar it is what matters.
The kingdom of God is a spiritual reality. To enter it means true happiness. But it must be sought. It is not necessary to go without food or drink. But Jesus said, “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing” (v. 23). We can enter only through Him.
Image: By Rembrandt – http://www.uni-leipzig.de : Home : Info : Pic, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5812686