EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
SATURDAY JULY 01, 2023.
SUBJECT : THE DECEPTIVE POWER OF RICHES!
Memory verse: “And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10 vs 24.)
READ: First Timothy 6 vs 17 - 19:
6:17: Command those who are rich in this present age not be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
6:18: Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
6:19: storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
INTIMATION:
People recognize that riches give them power. It enables them to put food on the table and pay their bills. The power in riches have been given various names: 'purchasing power,' ‘bargaining power,’ ‘economic power,’ negotiating power,’ and so on. So, people see giving their riches away as loosing power. Therefore, they think they are loosing in life by giving out their riches.
In imagining that their wealth is their strongest defense, rich people are sadly mistaken. Riches cannot provide safety because there are too many ways for it to lose its power. For instance, the government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; inflation may rob it of all value. Eventually, in many circumstances your wealth can lose its power. But God never loses His power. He is always dependable and ever faithful.
Jesus laid emphasis on the teaching about money and riches because of its importance to our daily lives, and on our relationship with God. Churches don't preach on them today in the way and manner Jesus did, apparently because of fear of the perception of the congregants. Most of the time something is said about money and riches from the pulpit is to motivate the congregants to give toward funding ministries or projects. But the subject of money is very important for our Christian race.
Let us revisit the story of the rich young man. After the man walked away unwilling to part with his money, the Lord said, "How hard shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again, and said to them, children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10 vs 23 - 24.)
You could say it this way, "How hard it is for rich people to be born again." That's quite a statement, because people often see riches as blessings from God indicating God’s approval. That was why the disciples were astonished at Jesus’ remarks. But Jesus clarified His statement thus, "How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom."
He isn't saying that riches itself makes it difficult to be saved. Rather He is saying that having lots of riches can trick people into putting faith in their riches because of the associated powers in it. Instead they should put their trust in God who gives them the power to get the riches. However, riches aren’t the problem, but how you trust in the associated powers is the issue.
The parable of a certain rich man told by Jesus in Luke 12 vs 20 - 21, says, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” In the parable God called the rich man who trusted in his plentiful harvest a fool! So is everyone who trusts in uncertain riches. The rich man died even before he could begin to use what was stored in his barns.
Planning for retirement—preparing for life before death—is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed. Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and to use what we have been given for God’s kingdom. Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God.
Where do you look for security and safety, in uncertain wealth or God who is always faithful? All of us will say, "Oh yes, I'm trusting in the Lord," but you have to do more than just say it. As the apostle James said in his epistle, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2 vs 26). Someone who is really trusting in the Lord will prove it by giving out of their resources toward kingdom advancement endeavors.
The danger with riches is that you can get to where you trust in what riches can do, that is, relying on its inherent powers to work for you more than you trust in God. Then, when you come upon a problem that riches can't solve, you will feel like the earth is crumbling beneath you. God will still be there to help you, but you would have learned to trust in His ability to deliver you. This is the major reason why giving is important: because learning to trust God starts with your riches.
The psalmist in Psalm 18 vs 2 says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Unlike riches, God’s protection of His people is limitless and can take many forms. God is the supreme controller of all circumstances. In Him all finalities rest.
The Scripture, in Lamentations 3 vs 37 notes, “Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?” Only with God’s approval will your riches provide a safe haven for you. Therefore, put your trust in Him that controls all circumstances.
Prayer: Abba Father, by You all things consist. You are my shield and buckler. My absolute trust and confidence is in You who never fails. May I never live to put my trust in any other thing but You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed.
PRAISE THE LORD!
