Blog
“True Riches”
Categories: Bible, Covetous, Esther, Expository Study, Jesus Christ
1/4/20 - True Riches
Jesus said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). Passages such as Proverbs 15:16, 16:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6, 5:10-16; and I Timothy 6:6-8 also remind us of the true riches of this life.
Contrast this with the life of Ahasuerus, or Artaxerxes, the king who would one day marry Esther. He had such an opulent lifestyle that he was able to stage a party that lasted six months (Est. 1:4)! When that was done, he had another one that lasted yet another week (Est. 1:5)! His earthly power, riches, and military strength would have impressed us, no doubt. However, these things said nothing about the condition of his soul. It told us nothing about whether or not he was ready for eternity.
Jesus asked one time, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). This is still a valid question! It is a soul-searching question that demands an answer. If you could throw a six-month party for all the people you knew like Ahasuerus, if you had the money to stage a year-long party and impress friend and enemy alike, what does this say about our soul’s salvation? It says nothing! Prepare for eternity (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16)! Set your mind on pleasing God rather than man (Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:1-4). This is the most important goal we have in life (Ecc. 12:13-14)!
