Wednesday, July 10, 2013

By His stripes, we are Rich!!!

Does it sound absurd?  Read it again pls.

Does it still sound absurd?  I’m I the only one thinking it is absurd?  I’m seating at the reception of one of the biggest advertising companies in Nigeria, chilling for an interview and instead of rehearsing my lines (I’m I the only one that does that?), I’m thinking about this statement and the man of God that caused this line of thought and writing this note.

In his words, “Many people will get to heaven, and God will show them all the cars, lands, property, and money they were supposed to have on earth” I know these things are not bad, but is that what is in the mind of God?  Is that all there is to existing on earth?  So, when you have owned everything, what next?  To what end is chasing after all these things anyway? For the fleeting pleasures that will end here on earth?

Did Jesus die so we could have earthly treasures?  Were those his thoughts as He was whipped and as he carried that cross to Calvary? 
“Lord, by these stripes, give them cars, houses and every earthly treasure”

Like I said, there is nothing wrong with these things, but when they become your yardstick for measuring success and approval of your life on earth by God then you have it all wrong.  These things are mere blessings that God gives man out of the goodness of His heart; he blesses both the sinner and the saint.  The bible says “... for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

God does NOT care how many cars, houses or how much wealth you amass here on earth, it is very inconsequential to Him.  If that was the reason He sent His son to die, then we are all doomed.  If that is all He wanted us to have, then Jesus should have just stayed in heaven.

The only thing God is interested in is the souls of men.  I don’t know what will happens when we die, I have never died before. However, I have heard people say and read in books that when we stand before God, our entire life will flash before us and many will weep in deep deep deep sorrow for the life they lived.  I doubt if these people will be weeping because of all the cars, houses, lands, and money they did not own on earth.  I believe they would be weeping for their soul and the many souls that perished as a result of the foolish choices they made on earth.

It is sad that many people would read the title of this note and think how absurd it is, but in reality, that is exactly how they are living.  Many Christians only serve God because of what He can give them; they are not a tad bit interested in what God requires of them.  May I remind you that none of these things will get you into heaven; they would not even follow you to your grave.  In the eyes of God, they are only chaff that will burn in the fiery judgment of God.

Only the things you do that align with the heart of God will stand and speak for you in the presence of God.  It is an insult to think that the stripes Jesus bore are only for your own lustful and earthly benefits.  God will not allow you make a mockery of such great sacrifice.  So, while you are busy chasing all these things on earth, ask yourself this question; to what end?  If all you have accomplished and all you are worth on earth is a couple of houses, cars, money etc, then in the eyes of God you are worthless.

I’ll leave you with this thought...

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15


Choose therefore how you will build... Wood, hay, and straw (all earthly treasures) do not do very well in fire.  Pursue God, chase after His heart and not the things of this world.  His stripes are worth more that mere cars, money, houses and every other worthless thing we pursue here on earth. In God's eyes, they are only 'things' 'add-ons'.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Matthew 6:33

So help us God.

No comments:

Post a Comment