November 18, 2024

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1.18-20)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6.10) That was my answer to the question “Why do things have to cost so much?” If you think about it, why do things have to cost at all? As Paul was writing to Timothy, he may well have been considering his tentmaking profession. In this world, things cost money. I have no idea, but would money have ever been known much less needed if we had remained in the Garden of Eden? In the Garden, all that was needed the hand of God provided. Of course, in that moment there were only two people who lived in the Garden. There would have been more in time as Adam and Eve would have been fruitful and multiplied. That line of thinking brings up other questions not a part of today’s reflection, so let’s move forward. Let’s instead consider the question, “If the love of money is the root of all evil” as Paul instructed Timothy in his ministry, then the word to the wise could have been directed at Timothy on how to trust in the Lord for the provision of his ministry. We see and hear many accusations of ministries in today’s world that are consumed with the accumulation of wealth. There are those ministries, however, and thankfully so, that put those monies to good use in building communities in the name of Jesus the Christ. In this manner, evil is overcome by good, the good purposes of God. We may well see here the authentic “prosperity gospel.” It does not prosper a person’s place in the world at the expense of others but rather builds up the place of others in the world to the glory of God. I believe you would agree with me there is a significant difference. That difference is rooted in the grasping of forgiveness which overcomes sin. That difference comes from the right relationship between God and humankind. The extravagances of wealth versus the depravity of broken humanity is a common issue. What is to be done?

The answer is as simple as pursue righteousness. Righteousness is revealed in the state of one’s heart, mind, and soul toward God. If we are covered by sin and immersed in the pursuit of worldly wealth (or the sense of it), then it is impossible to be righteous and in right relationship with God. If we seek the forgiveness of our sins and are immersed in living a changed life in the pursuit of the kingdom of God, then we find that all things which make for a life of salvation are possible. Does it mean we will live like kings in great palaces, vast wealth and extensive power? It does not. Listening to the words of Jesus as He dined with His disciples that night in the upper room, we hear this “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so then why would I tell you I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I say I am going away to prepare a place for you then it would mean that I am coming back to take you there so that you will be welcomed in My Presence.” (John 14.1-3) Palaces? Or rooms within the grandest palace of all: the welcoming presence of Almighty God? But will we be treated as distinguished guests, welcomed friends and honored family? It most certainly does. We can’t even imagine what a room in the “Heavenly Hilton,” just kidding of course, would look like. But we do know that every room will have a view that is beyond comparison to anything this world has imagined. It is available to us as we pursue righteousness. That doesn’t mean perfection because truly no one is perfectly perfect but God alone. It does mean a dedication to pursuing being in right relationship with God. The example of that pursuit is revealed in Christ Jesus. The gospel is the textbook manual describing the steps of that pursuit. It is rich in its wisdom and promise.

Do we need to focus on the contrary to such a pursuit? We have seen how the “mighty” have fallen. What riches are they able to take with them? What does the pursuit of such riches gain them in the grand scheme of eternity? If it serves only them and supports those who are in allegiance to them, then how is it of real benefit? We know that teaching as well: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul?” And no one try to get cute on this and say “see it doesn’t mention women so they are able to be rich and keep their souls.” Such division of the mind, the house, the property is what is meant by “the sword” will devour them, too. That double-edged sword which is the word of God not only takes a little off the top but pierces to the core of who a person is. It lays open their heart, mind and soul to reveal the truth state of their estate. Is it full of the goodness of God or is a tomb filled with only death? What, then, is the measure of true prosperity? We shall only know if we repent of our sins and commit ourselves to the way of the Lord.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, before we were conceived in the womb, You had already formed us in Your love and by Your Spirit brought us into being. Each one of us is blessed with the opportunity of doing right, being good and producing the fruit of the Spirit in order that others be fed the truth of that same love so that the two will become one. It is our soul’s sincere desire to embrace the oneness You have in mind so we would know we are Your people and You are our God. Lead us in that discovery of the truth and the manifestation of that love for us all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.