A wealthy Norwegian farmer stood on the porch of his home, proudly surveying the broad, rich acres that he possessed. “All this is mine,” he exclaimed. But, alas like the rich man in the parable, he was absorbed with his wealth, while all the time forgetting about God.

 A short distance up the lane, Old Hans, the farm-hand had ceased from work, unpacked his lunch, and with his hands folded was now thanking God for all His goodness. Leaving the porch, the farmer stopped for a chat and bursting into the old man’s quiet meditation, asked Hans how he was keeping. ‘Oh, it is you, sir ?’ Hans replied, looking up, ‘I did not hear you coming. I have grown quite deaf lately and my eyesight is failing too.’  “But you look so happy Hans.”  ‘Yes, indeed I am sir. My heavenly Father has provided me with food and raiment, a good bed and a roof over my head; and that is more than my Saviour had when He was here upon earth.’ The landlord glanced in disgust at the meagre lunch – a few slices of bread and a piece of fried pork. “But how can you be thankful for such a poor lunch ?” asked the farmer. ‘Oh,’ said Hans, ‘it’s the presence of my Saviour that adds sweetness to all He gives.’

 Changing the subject completely, Hans then began to tell his employer of a dream he had on the previous night. ‘I dreamt that I stood at the portals of heaven, so that I could see into that blessed city. Oh, sir, the glory and the beauty no man can describe. Then I heard a voice saying, “The richest man in the valley will die tonight.” After that, the most wonderful music – a real Hallelujah chorus – burst upon my ears. Then I awoke. Sir, these words were so plainly spoken that I thought I should tell you. Perhaps it’s a warning.’

 The landlord’s face turned pale and he tried to hide his fears as he hastily left the presence of the old man. During the rest of the day those words seemed to haunt the wealthy landowner – ‘the richest man in the valley will die tonight.’ But this was only the dream of an old man and certainly one that he did not believe. Late that afternoon his brow was feverish and believing the dream or not, he called for the doctor. Following a thorough examination and after hearing the story of the dream, the doctor assured the farmer that the richest man in the valley would not die that night.

 During the dinner hour and on into the evening the farmer and his doctor guest laughed and joked until about 10.00pm, when they were startled by the ringing of the door-bell. The shrill sound dismayed the farmer and nervously he answered the door. ‘Sorry to disturb you sir’ said the gentleman in the doorway. ‘I just came to tell you that Old Hans died suddenly this evening, and to ask you to make his funeral arrangements.’

So the old man’s dream was true. The richest man in the valley had died. Though one of the poorest of this earth, he was rich toward God, rich in faith. He was the happy possessor of something that money could never buy – everlasting life.

 Luke 12:21     James 2:5