Treasuring Christ Not Uncertain Riches

God gives us blessings to enjoy, not to be the metric by which we judge our invincibility. It is better to worship the Blesser than His blessings.

The richest man who ever lived wrote, “Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” [1]

Paul warned his young protégé Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” [2]

The nation of Edom was exceedingly proud of themselves in the days of Obadiah the prophet. They felt invincible, but the Lord’s servant warned them...

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ ‘Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.” [3]

Their strength had become their weakness. They had become idols unto themselves. They were no longer trusting in the grace of God to save them. They were trusting in uncertain riches.

Jesus warned against covetousness. He said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ 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.” [4]

The very last line of Obadiah’s word to Edom was... “The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” [5]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us ever mindful that this present world is passing away, and that only You, Your kingdom, and those who trust in You last forever. In Jesus’ Name I pray this. Amen.”

“Then. the seventh angel sounded: and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” [6]

[1] Proverbs 23:5
[2] 1 Timothy 6:17
[3] Obadiah 1:3-4
[4] Luke 12:15-21
[5] Obadiah 1:21
[6] Revelation 11:15

First published January 11, 2012