True Riches

by Prasher, C, Lindsay | Category: Never Man So Spake - Great Truths From The Lord's Min | Jul 1985

ALTHOUGH the main purpose of this series of articles is to direct attention to the sayings of Christ Himself, it is a relevant exercise to see what three very different Old Testament writers recorded on the subject of true riches.

The young king Solomon expressed the right attitude in one of his three thousand proverbs which ran: "Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith"(Prov. 15:16). It would have been well if he had heeded his own proverb in later life when his "treasure" included many strange women who certainly brought trouble by turning his heart from the fear of the Lord.

Some time later Jeremiah quoted the God with whom he lived so closely to the end of his days:

"Let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth, glory

in this, that he understandeth, and knoweth Me" (Jer. 9:23).

Much earlier, Moses has made his assessment in even more profound terms, as revealed by the writer to the Hebrews. "... accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt"(Heb. 11:26). The compelling attraction of these treasures is felt to this day, as those who saw the Tutankhamun exhibition in London in 1972 will testify. But for Moses, the son of Pharaoh's daughter, the treasures could well have included an even more attractive prize: the throne of Egypt. Is this not implied in the contrast with Christ, the King? To have set aside such a prospect for the despised people of God reveals a very high order of faith indeed: "he looked unto the recompense of reward".

From these three statements may be extracted the essence of that which was esteemed better than earthly treasure:

-the fear of the Lord

-understanding and knowing God the reproach of Christ

Not only is it apparent that each is associated with God, but there would appear to be a progression of concept. To understand and know God is an advance on the fear of the Lord. However, most would admit that, because the appearance of Christ was so far removed in time from Moses, what he saw as "greater riches" implies a deep appreciation of God and His Christ, beyond that of most mortals of his day. Hence the three phrases listed above may be regarded as rising levels of perception of what God looks for in true riches.

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During the ministry of Christ on earth there were at least two occasions on which He took up the theme of true riches.

THE RICH FARMER

One of these is recorded in Luke 12:16-34, which gives the reaction of our Lord to a request from one in the crowd: "Bid my brother divide the inheritance with me". Jesus made it very clear that it was no purpose of His ministry to make judgement of such earthly matters; His pre-occupation was with the more important spiritual issues and He told a parable to clarify His meaning.

A certain rich farmer continued to be so successful that he decided to pull down his barns and build bigger ones. That was just business prudence. His fault, however, lay in being so utterly absorbed in his business progress that he had no thought for the eternal destiny of his soul. God rightly called him a fool to be so blinded by fleeting earthly pursuits: "this night is thy soul required of thee". There was no fear of the Lord in this man's life.

Jesus then turned to His disciples, who, like Jeremiah, had some understanding of God's ways, and with Moses had even known something of the reproach of Christ. However, they had advanced further than most by giving up their businesses altogether, and hence their source of income, to follow the Lord. Yet Jesus had to give them a further lesson, because even they could become worried for the future instead of fully trusting their Lord. The point was illustrated from the birds which build no storehouses, yet our heavenly Father sees they do not lack: and from the wild flowers, more radiant in their glory than the famous Solomon, but which make no conscious effort to attain it. Jesus assured the disciples that they were of more value to God than birds and flowers.

THE RICH YOUNG LAWKEEPER

Another occasion on which Jesus talked of true riches is recorded in Matt. hew 19:16-30. It was triggered off by a young man who asked the Master what good thing he must do to inherit eternal life. Here was a very different type

from the rich farmer, for he was anxious for his soul's welfare and he did have the fear of the Lord before his eyes. Yet there was a gap in his understanding of God, despite his claim to have kept the law from his youth. Jesus quickly diagnosed the problem: "Go, sell that thou hast and give to the poor... and come, follow Me". In contrast to Moses, the young man's great possessions meant more to him than the cause of the Christ and he walked away sorrowful.

This sad episode led to a discussion between Jesus and His disciples. He told them: "It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God", perhaps a reference to a laden camel attempting to enter the Needle's Eye, a low and narrow gate in the wall of Jerusalem, so low, in fact, that only when stripped of its load could the camel scrape through. The young fellow was not willing to part with that which prevented him from entering into discipleship. The discussion makes it clear that the Lord's demand to him was a very personal one and that rich men can enter the kingdom, but because they put greater value on their 'Lord than on their riches, they give freely to the work of the Lord, which is most essential to that work.

The discussion concluded with the Lord's assurance that any who do give up treasure, whether material things or personal relationships, will not be the losers, but will receive from Him one hundred fold. For the twelve apostles, whose role was very special, they could look forward to a very special reward:

to sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

YOU AND ME

For lesser mortals like you and me, living as we do in a materialistic age, there is even greater danger of losing sight of the true riches bound up with service to our Master. Hence we should constantly remember the Lord's injunction to seek first His kingdom and all earthly requirements will be supplied. Thinking primarily of younger people, if we are absorbed in study towards a goal which will enhance our career, let us always give the highest priority each day to scripture study and prayer and never miss church gatherings, which are a command of the Lord. Secondly, if we have attained our goal and the Lord has given us success, may we ever be more than ready to give generously to the furtherance of His kingdom. Thirdly, if the Lord calls any one of us to give up a portion of or the whole of our time to His service, then let nothing stand in our way, because He is faithful that promised to look after those who renounce earthly gain for His glory.

Finally, whatever the stage we have reached in our appreciation of heavenly values, may we all, Moses-like, look to the recompense of reward to enhance that appreciation.

Prasher, C, Lindsay | Jul 1985
Never Man So Spake - Great Truths From The Lord's Min