Topic: Riches As Impediment [Monday June 26, 2017]
Text: Luke 18:18-30
Key Verse: “And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24).
In this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. Therefore, material riches without Christ can be hurtful to them that possess them. This was the plight of the young rich ruler, according to our text, who craved for an intimate relationship with Christ, which, obviously, was not out of place. At first, the young ruler called Jesus the good Master, an unusual appellation for any man.
For those who are not regenerated, they would appreciate it because they liked to be flattered and their ego to be massaged. But that was not for Christ. The ruler asked Jesus what he would do to have eternal life, which was a genuine desire. But when Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, the young ruler felt sad. This, obviously, would have made him not to have wealth on earth but to be rich in heaven.
This, however, was a specific rule for him, but not a general principle for everybody. The general principle for everyone is not to allow anything to take the place of God in our lives, which means that we cannot trust in wealth or anything else. But Jesus’ instruction would have led the man to a high level of consecration, which would have earned him higher rewards. The fact is that God rewards people according to their level of consecration.
But the young ruler was not ready for it. Today, some people have the desire to come to Christ. Yet, they find it difficult to do away with things that will become a stumbling block to their salvation. They cleave to the world and show little enthusiasm for Christ. What a pity that such people will enjoy the transient pleasures of the world, but miss the unfading glory of heaven.
Thought for the day: The quest for riches darkens the sense of right and wrong.
Bible Reading in one Year: Zephaniah 1-3
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
