Our Rich Savior

Whether materially wealthy or materially cruel, physically capable or physically impaired, situationally well-off or situationally challenged, God permits this life as the platform by which He is received as our ultimate treasure. The hand of blessing grants an invisible work upon the heart and soul of a man, by which we contend with our preferences and earthly passions. Knowing that God is faithful, we yield to the call, intentionally reaching for Him more than all else.

The rich young ruler, of Mark 10, found the invitation of Jesus to be a greater challenge to the righteousness he presumed of himself. He could not reason to do what Jesus asked, and so he left Jesus, returning to his stuff, and the things of the world. Even the mechanics of religious application failed him, though an acceptable fit within society. Civility and manners benefit the community, even piety, but God desires the heart, and its ultimate expression of faithfulness; the secret places of the heart are not exempt. “For you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” [Exodus 34:14] “The Spirit which He has made to dwell in us jealously desires us.” James 4:5

 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
As such, through Christ’s poverty His riches are given to us freely, upon believing, upon trusting in Him. God is exalted and Christ glorified. And so, should we possess little, or much, it is all about what we permit to possess us. Let us all purpose to daily pause before the cross, and let our foundation and our banner be, ‘Him crucified’ and ‘Him risen.’ Let us rejoice in, “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:20 God has defined our wealth, and it is in Him...it is in His Word. Accept no substitute.

PRAYER: This heart, this heart so prone to slide requires Thine in which to hide ... so prone to fall, fix my embrace to joy the lighter chains of grace. On being taught, this will I keep, throughout this season til I ‘sleep.’ Pray understanding guard this gaze, my heart abounding with Thy ways... On being caught, let me stay so, with every righteous stop and go. Let understanding guard and guide, the wild transformed to now abide. And should life’s testing find me slight, permit me rest upon Thy might, to tarry with faith past my own, with hope to lift me, as I’m grown. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington