THIS NIGHT THY SOUL SHALL BE REQUIRED OF THEE

[I pray that those who do not know the Lord would give serious thought to the eternal destiny of their souls.  We are not promised another tomorrow.]

Luke 12:19-20 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

This night] How awful was this saying!  He had just made the necessary arrangements for the gratification of his sensual appetites; and, in the very night in which he had finally settled all his plans, his soul was called into the eternal world!  What a dreadful awakening of a soul, long asleep in sin! He is now hurried into the presence of his Maker; none of his worldly goods can accompany him, and he has not a particle of heavenly treasure!

Albert Barnes’ Commentary:

Thou fool] If there is any supreme folly, it is this. As though riches could prolong life, or avert for a moment the approach of pain and death.

This night] What an awful sentence to a man who, as he thought, had got just ready to live and enjoy himself! In a single moment all his hopes were blasted, and his soul summoned to the bar of his long-forgotten God. So, many are surprised as suddenly and as unprepared.  They are snatched from their pleasures, and hurried to a world where there is no pleasure, and where all their wealth cannot purchase one moment’s ease from the gnawings of the worm that never dies.

Shall be required of thee] Thou shalt be required to die, to go to God, and to give up your account.

Then whose] Whose they may be is of little consequence to the man that lost his soul to gain them; but they are often left to heirs that dissipate them much sooner than the father procured them, and thus they secure their ruin as well as his own.

British Family Bible:

Thou fool, this night] The truth suggested by these words lies level to every capacity; that the impenitent sinner is liable to be surprised by death every day, every hour, every moment, and in a thousand different ways. And then what becomes of this unhappy man? If under a danger of this nature he can be easy, careless, cheerful, in good humour, and given up to mirth and joy, what name can be bestowed on this indolent security? None will suit it, except folly or frenzy.

Family Bible Notes:

Thy soul shall be required] Thou shalt die, and thy soul shall be required to go to judgment and give an account of its deeds while in the body. In trusting to riches for that happiness which can come only from God; in depending upon long life, when death may come this night; and in laying up treasure on earth, and not in heaven, men act the part of fools.

People’s New Testament Commentary:

This night] Instead of having many years, this night he shall die, unprepared, and all his goods on which he set his heart be delivered over to others.

Mark 1:15 … The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.