TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017
RICHES AND THE KINGDOM
-MATTHEW 19:23-30
KEY VERSE:
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:23).
Bible history reveals that in different generations, the truly wealthy individuals were the most righteous ones. For instance, Abraham was the richest in his days yet, he was called the friend of God. He was very rich in cattle, silver and gold. The same was recorded about Isaac, Israel, Joseph and others. They prospered anywhere they found themselves. In our text, Jesus reveals the truth about the rich and the Kingdom, pointing out that it is hard for a rich man who sets his heart on his riches to get saved. In the preceding seven verses, a rich young man had been to Jesus, wanting to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, after faithfully keeping the Ten Commandments. To be perfect, Jesus asked him to sell all his worldly possessions and give to the poor to have treasures in heaven and thereafter follow Him. The Scriptures recorded that the young man went away sorrowful "for he had great possessions" (Matthew 19:16-22). Christ is not against getting rich or rich people. He desires we prosper as our souls prosper. Money, with the comforts that it can bring, has a powerfully intoxicating effect in the hearts of men and women that it can become an idol. If we’re not very careful, it can totally overwhelm and decrease the love of God in our lives. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches to get to heaven. The Lord promised that everyone who had forsaken possessions or comforts for His name’s sake will receive a hundredfold (on earth) and inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).
Thought for the day: Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 SAMUEL 1-3
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