*WISDOM FOR TODAY*
*CHRIST'S INVESTORS (2).*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Matthew 13 45-46 *Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:*
*Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Investing in Christ is "more precious than rubies," and its value supercedes earthly and secular investments.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
While Solomon admonishes the strength of money as an answer to all things Eccl 10:19, he further warns us of the vanity of earthly wealth.
We can mention a few:
First, riches have wings, Prov 23:4.
Second, Eccl 5:10-14 says, *Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income....*
*... but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep......when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit.*
Third, he says a man works and makes it in life, but he does not know who will inherit his wealth, Eccl 2:21-22, 4:8.
Fourth, everything under the sun is vanity, Eccl 1:14.
Fifth, Solomon's word describing everything under the sun as vanity is corroborated by Paul's letter to Timothy that *For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.* (1 Tim 6:7).
Wealth is good. A well to do family would give their children good education, healthcare, good things of life, etc.
For wealth to have a meaning in life, we must honor God with it, or else it becomes vanity. You must partner with God.
It is a hard saying, but it is true. Some may ask that there are those who do not know Christ at all yet are the world's most richest people.
There has not been anyone richer than Solomon by physical possessions.
God said, *"...so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.* 1 Kgs 3: 11.
Jesus is greater than Solomon, Matt 12:42, so we are greater than Solomon.
There is no price too low for a Christ's investor or too high for him/her.
The parable of the pearl in today's reading tells us a few things.
First, the merchant went looking.
Second, he found the pearl of great value, and it exceeds anything else on earth.
God's gifts are of indescribable value. When we discover it, we will realize its value is worth more than anything we have. There are no earthly possessions that are as valuable as God. Nothing and no one is as important.
We must pray to really know God.
When we know Him, we will come to realize how careful we should be so that earthly possessions will not stand in the way of developing a true relationship with Him.
Matt 19:21 *Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.*
In Matt 9:21, Christ says *If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions.....* Matthew 9:21.
Christ did not say rich people would not make Heaven. He was talking about:
First, rich people who are not rich unto God.
Second, those who are rich but who see their rich lives depending on the abundance of what they have, Luke 12:15.
To fail to invest in Christ may be an indication of the love of money over the love of Christ. It may be a condition to entering God's presence.
This is because, if He saved you, you will do anything to propagate His Kingdom.
*Call to Word action.*
It is a hard saying to invest in Christ.
Most are sorrowful to hear that they should invest in the Kingdom
Matt 19:22 *But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.*
*Remorse corner.*
If it is hard to give to Christ as instructed by Him, it will be harder to be a part of His Heavenly Kingdom.
Matt 19:23 *Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Matt 19: 23 *Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.*
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me to be rich unto you. Let me not value my life on the abundance of the things l possess in Jesus name (Luke12:15).
Good morning all, be blessed as you come into His presence today.
God bless you.