Riches, power and wealth

 Psalm 62:1–12 (ESV):  

1  For God alone my soul waits in silence; 

from him comes my salvation. 

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 

3  How long will all of you attack a man 

to batter him, 

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 

4  They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. 

They take pleasure in falsehood. 

They bless with their mouths, 

but inwardly they curse. Selah 

5  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, 

for my hope is from him. 

6  He only is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 

7  On God rests my salvation and my glory; 

my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 

8  Trust in him at all times, O people; 

pour out your heart before him; 

God is a refuge for us. Selah 

9  Those of low estate are but a breath; 

those of high estate are a delusion; 

in the balances they go up; 

they are together lighter than a breath. 

10  Put no trust in extortion; 

set no vain hopes on robbery; 

if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 

11  Once God has spoken; 

twice have I heard this: 

that power belongs to God, 

12  and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. 

For you will render to a man 

according to his work. 

How often do you silently wait?

David says, ‘For God alone my soul waits in silence’. When waiting, most people; complain, sigh, drum their fingers, stomp, groan or mutter, which increases their frustration. David, however, waits silently. Peacefully and patiently standing by for God to answer. How often do you do that - sit in the discomfort of waiting? I imagine it is more likely that most of us rush off to find solutions, sometimes even with the attitude of - “well, I prayed about it, God didn’t answer so I did x, y and z”. This leads to frustration, a decline in faith, and stress. If you learnt to wait for God, I wonder what answers you would get and I wonder what you would learn in the uncomfortable silence. David learnt to allow his soul to be at peace whilst he waited for he realised that, ‘from him comes my salvation’. When you ask God things, do you wait long enough and quietly enough for God to bring you answers and salvation? 

‘’I shall not be greatly shaken’

Is this your testimony? Do the events of life, changes of circumstance greatly shake you? There is a difference between being shaken and greatly shaken. Being shaken is like being shocked, feeling off-guard, seeing the twist in the story and not being ready for it. Greatly shaken is like feeling like your whole world is falling apart. We can all get shaken, surprising and shocking things happen, how do they effect you? If you believe and trust in God, then the things of llifeg may shale you but you shouldn't become greatly shaken. If you do, consider what foundations your life is built upon. Are you trusting fully in God, or is there something else that you lean and rely on; family, money, job, position, health? These things are like ‘a tottering fence’, it doesn’t take much for them to let you down. Yet God is your rock, salvation and your fortress, so look to and depend upon Him, then you cannot be greatly shaken. A storm may come, the fence will fall, but a rock remains firm. 

‘If riches increase, set not your heart upon them’

When money comes, it is easy to get distracted. Jesus himself tells us, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (Mathew 19:24). An increase in money can easily become something that is relied upon. The world functions through money; you need it to buy; food, clothes, pay rent, bills, even fun and entertainment. So it is not easy to stop money having influence over your heart and mind, as you need it to function in this world. Times of blessing and abundance can breed danger for if you end up feeling happy and secure by having wealth, be careful that you haven't taken your mind and eyes off the One who has provided it. Money is fickle and will let you down, even if you feel like you have much. Instead put what you have in right perspective - just consider what you have in comparison to the riches of God! Your plenty is worth less than pennies to God, so look to Him, set your heart upon Him. Money is a resource, not a life source. So use it but do not allow your life to be built around it. God is the source of all things. So base your life, heart and mind on Him for money comes and money goes (just look at your bank account!). Yet God is stable and steadfast. 

'power belongs to God’

Do not waste your time, money or effort trying to gain influence or power, for the source of these things is God. If you want to know what power looks like - look at Him. Consider His power, and the way He uses it. God’s power sustains and loves His creation. Power exists in order to take care of and nurture what God has made - this was God’s mandate for man in the beginning that as humans we should take care of the Earth, this is the responsibility he gave humanity. So whatever power you have, consider, what do you use it for? Are you intentionally using whatever influence and power you have to take responsibility for loving God and His creation? If you are a follower of God, you have responsibility to look after God’s interests. Therefore any power, role or responsibility you are given on Earth, be mindful of how you use it. ‘Power belongs to God’, so ensure that the influence you have is subjected to Him first, and use it as He sees fit. Power is not to be used for selfish gain or vain motives, but all power belongs to God. Therefore if you have been entrusted with some, ensure you honour God with how you use it. For God can give power and He can take it away. It belongs to Him, not you, you haven’t earned it, you don’t deserve it, and you may increase or decrease in it as you go through life for it belongs to God, therefore be a careful guardian of the influence you have. whilst you have it.

In this psalm there are some strong challenges to how you live life, how you use and respond to events, blessings, power and authority. Is all of it submitted to God? Do you, like David, trust in God alone?

How you live matters

 Psalm 49:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Hear this, all peoples! 

Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, 

2  both low and high, 

rich and poor together! 

3  My mouth shall speak wisdom; 

the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. 

4  I will incline my ear to a proverb; 

I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre. 

5  Why should I fear in times of trouble, 

when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, 

6  those who trust in their wealth 

and boast of the abundance of their riches? 

7  Truly no man can ransom another, 

or give to God the price of his life, 

8  for the ransom of their life is costly 

and can never suffice, 

9  that he should live on forever 

and never see the pit. 

10  For he sees that even the wise die; 

the fool and the stupid alike must perish 

and leave their wealth to others. 

11  Their graves are their homes forever, 

their dwelling places to all generations, 

though they called lands by their own names. 

12  Man in his pomp will not remain; 

he is like the beasts that perish. 

13  This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; 

yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 

14  Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; 

death shall be their shepherd, 

and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. 

Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 

15  But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, 

for he will receive me. Selah 

16  Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, 

when the glory of his house increases. 

17  For when he dies he will carry nothing away; 

his glory will not go down after him. 

18  For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed 

—and though you get praise when you do well for yourself— 

19  his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, 

who will never again see light. 

20  Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. 

This psalm is a call for people to listen and learn, to consider life and death and what they are living for. I have considered this psalm and written it in my own words, hopefully this will help convey the meaning and give you insight as you read it:

Listen up because I am going to tell you some important and intelligent things. I am willing to listen and learn, considering what I hear and I want to share with you what I know.

Why should I be scared when trouble comes? When people lie, cheat and do wrong things? Or even worry about those who have more than I do, as they trust in material things? Nobody can really buy off another person, or pay off their debt of sin with money. No-one can pay God the debt they owe for their life. No matter how much wealth people may have or what they generously give, it will never be enough to make up for all they have done wrong. Sin has a hefty price that no-one can pay. There is no way anyone can buy their way out of trouble, out of hell (‘the pit’) and into heaven. It is impossible.

Even those with lots of money and material things see other people die without enjoying their riches. Whatever they seemed to have on Earth is quickly taken by others. It doesn’t matter if you are wise or foolish - everyone dies - and their things get left to other people. Whatever is accumulated in life doesn’t remain in your hands for long, yet death outlasts life! You have an eternity where you will not be on this Earth. This is true for every generation. It doesn’t matter if buildings, places or stars are named after you, you still die - Just like all the other animals. 

As for those silly people who go about falsely happy and confident, listening to the flatteries of those that approve of their lifestyle - They are like sheep appointed for the butcher! They are destined for death. Everlasting death. The land of doom and deep darkness is all that is awaiting them at the end of their earthly existence. In the end, it will be those who have lived good, godly, honest lives that will be in authority over them. As God will take care of and receive His people. He saves them from eternal doom and darkness. 

Therefore do not be frightened of those with riches or power, or of those who have many material goods and authority, for what do they take with them when they die? Their authority, riches and power don’t last long and are of no use to them once life is finished. They may consider how wealthy, happy and flourishing they are whilst they are alive, and others may admire and tell them how great they are, yet their soul will not see light after death. Once no longer living on Earth the riches and material things have no importance or value. It is the soul that lives on - where shall it go - to God or to ‘the pit’? So, do not act like one that has not been informed or who is unaware and silly, but take note and understand that we all die - what are you doing to prepare for that?

Hopefully. that re-write shows the powerful persuasion of this psalm. Those that wrote it recognised the importance of taking time to consider life and death and they wanted others to do the same. They remind us that life is short and death is long, so your priorities in life should reflect that reality. Your major investments should not be in the kingdom of Earth, but for the life that follows as that is more long-lasting and significant. You have an eternal future, are you preparing for it? Or are you busy accumulating experiences, wealth or relationships on Earth? There is nothing wrong with having and enjoying these things, but if it is all that you are focussed on and aim for, then when your life ends there’s not going to be much to take with you. There is not a problem with these things in themselves, but the way in which you view things is important. How you live matters. Your attitude, behaviour, values and beliefs have long-term effects. It impacts your experiences now, and after you breathe your last breath. Your values, beliefs and behaviour in this life determine your destination after death. There is more meaning to life than your wallet, relationships and reputation. Are you living with that mindset?

There needs to be an eternal edge to how you live. What you believe and live for has eternal impact. If you live now without any consideration for others or God then your eternal reality will be doom and darkness without God. 

As well as considering your enjoyment and achievements in life, you know one day your life will end. what are you going to be leaving when your numbered days are up? Is it going to be a fortune, reputation, your name plastered around different areas - things that will have no value or use to you when you’re not around any more and in reality, things that have little impact on those left behind. The money and memories may last a few years but they fade in time. Is it not worth investing your time, energy, effort and finance into something that will have eternal benefit to you and to others? 

In order to do that, you need a mindset that is not bound by life, but one that also considers death. You require an attitude that has an eternal mindset. A mindset that acknowledges the truth that life exists beyond your time on Earth. Do not be one of those that live for the here and now and for the speculative future they hope to enjoy on Earth - it is not guaranteed. Yet death is! Life is more than your existence on Earth. One day you will breathe your last. Yet did you know that life can be enjoyed after that? If you live your life following, believing, trusting and obeying God on Earth, then you will have an eternity to enjoy beyond the grave. 

The promise for this psalmist is that, ‘God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me’. For the one that considers and lives for God now this is a certainty. So consider today the kind of life you are living. God promises that you can be received by Him if you live this earthly life with Him and He will help you prepare for the life to come. If you are living with God now, then you’ll be choosing to live with God in the eternity that follows. You will avoid ’the pit’, darkness and eternal doom. How you live now matters. This psalm implores you to consider what you are doing with your life. As how you live now influences your final destination after death. So do not live , ‘in foolish confidence’ because now you know, you have been told. Instead you can live with God and be received by Him. What are you going to choose? 

Psalm 49

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 

*1* Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, 
*2* both low and high, rich and poor together! 
*3* My mouth shall speak wisdom; he meditation of my heart shall be understanding. 
*4* I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre. 
*5* Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, 
*6* those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 
*7* Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, 
*8* for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, 
*9* that he should live on forever and never see the pit. 
*10*For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 
*11*Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. 
*12*Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 
*13*This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. /Selah/ 
*14*Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 
*15*But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. /Selah/ 
*16*Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 
*17*For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 
*18*For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself— 
*19*his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. 
*20*Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. 

Who is this message for? 

‘*1* Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, 

*2* both low and high, rich and poor together!’

Everyone! All people can learn and appreciate what the sons of Korah have learned, all people can benefit from their understanding and observations - are you going to as we read this psalm?

‘*3* My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. 

*4* I will incline my ear to a proverb; ‘

V3-4 The writers of this psalm, the sons of Korah, are confident in what they are bringing. They have experienced life, and have observed and learnt enough to become wise about what they are sharing with us.  I like the fact that this psalm is written by ‘the sons of Korah’. This implies that it is a group effort, a combined understanding. They must have reflected and considered together the composition. The result is the combined wisdom of a group of men of God. They have become men of understanding anf wisdom because they listen to one another and are still willing to learn as they declare ‘I will incline my ear…’. They are practicing what they preach, willing to learn, obey and understand more. Are you willing to take onboard their knowledge?

Here is the crux of the matter these sons of Korah have identified and want to speak about in this psalm ;

‘*5* Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, 

*6* those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? ‘

These men have realised that rich people can be scary. It gives people who have wealth a power that they would not usually have, and others are afraid of it. Those that are sinful and dishonest are also scary, but what good does running scared do? If people who are cheats, rich or wrongdoers come against us, why does that rock us? Can you not see what they are trusting in - money?! what good will that do them long-term?

‘*7* Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, 

*8* for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, 

*9* that he should live on forever and never see the pit. ‘

The reality is, that no other human being can own your life, no matter what schemes or tricks they try to use to make it seem like it. No man's wealth can own you or your soul. It is your life, and God is in ultimate command and in control. The length of your days is determined by Him, no-one else - no matter how much or little money you have. You cannot pay a thing to extend or shorten your days. In the same vane, you cannot buy your salvation, or that of anyone else either, ‘the ransom of their life is costly’. This is not in terms of money, but a far greater cost. We know that it was immensely costly to God as he sacrificed His only son Jesus, so that we all can have the ransom for our souls paid. Only the death of the perfect son of God was enough to cover the debt of our sin, and it is paid. Through Jesus is the only way that we can escape ‘the pit’. Have you accepted the price paid for your life? For your soul? 

*10* For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 

*11* Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. 

*12* Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 

If you take a look around and observe the community/world you live in, you will notice that the wise and the foolish both die. The kind and the horrid, the rich and the poor - all have the same destination and that is death. They take nothing with them, all the things that were important in their life are now insignificant. the things they owned cease to be theirs no matter the importance, wealth, or renown of the individual when they were alive. It does not matter what stuff you had in Earthly life once you are dead. The reality is - just like the animals, we too die and are forgotten. 

*13* This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. /Selah/ 

*14* Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 

*15* But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. /Selah/ 

The foolish people do not listen, they go their own way and do not consider that death will one day come to them, or consider how that should impact their life. Instead they go, unprepared for eternity into the grave. 

This is not the same for everyone, “God will ransom my soul’- Some people can have confidence as their life on Earth draws to an end that God will save them. Those that have lived in such a way to be acceptable to God through Jesus; when their time on Earth ends, they know God has a plan for them. Those who endeavour to live a life of wisdom; following God, not money, stuff or others they can have confidence that God will receive them. Where do you think your eternal destination will be? Are you living to receive God’s ransom and reception?

*16* Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 

*17* For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 

*18* For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself— 

*19* his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. 

*20* Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. 

Another reminder that we need not be afraid of one another - of those who have much (or those who have little). When others do well for themselves, do not worry about it, but remember that all earthly things are temporal whether that be money, possessions or property - none of it is owned when the person’s life ends. The reality is, people will admire and commend those who have nice things (v18), but even that praise is short-lived. What is long-lasting is death. What will happen to the rich and poor, the wise and foolish and all those in between is that all will die. The praise of people will no longer be heard on that day, the honours and blessings of Earth will have disappeared - what will remain? 

What are you living for; th temporal comfort on Earth with people's praise? or are you living life focused on receiving the ransom and reception of God? 

Haman the horrible?

When we read the story of Esther, we often judge Haman quite harshly. After all, he is the enemy of the heroine and he has an unhealthy lust for power and renown, but, isn’t he just a product of his environment?

Haman has grown up and succeeded in a community which is dominated by power and wealth. He lives in the city where there is this incredible show of opulence. The city is a bustling place with people of importance everywhere, and it would be difficult to miss the lavish show of the king’s riches. Even if we just consider the palace - decorated with rich materials, sparkling gemstones and golden goblets what a show of extravagance! Can you imagine living in a place surrounded by such wealth? Being constantly bombarded by sights of the wealth and prosperity? Haman is. He even has access to this palace, so he sees it everyday and he would have been aware of how many of these beautiful, expensive things have been gained - through violent and passionate means.

Haman knows the reputation of king Ahasuerus - a proud, greedy, passionate man whom gets what he wants at any cost. Haman has witnessed it, and heard many stories of the king’s ruthlessness. In this kingdom, ruthless selfishness is permissible and demonstrated by the most famous and revered person of the time. This city of Susa, and the whole region of Persia are ruled by passionate impulse and selfish desires, a me-first society, so is it any wonder that Haman is ruthless in his pursuits too?

Haman has been surrounded by this system where anything goes, so isn’t he merely a product of his environment?

Haman has learned to play a part in this kingdom, he has realised that, to get the best in life, you need to get as close to the king as possible, at any cost. Haman knows that winning the king’s favour will benefit himself and his family. It will mean greater renown, respect and revenue. He knows king Ahasuerus promotes those who align themselves with him, who work to satisfy the king’s passions' and that the king is more interested in results than the manner in which they are achieved. Possessions, riches and authority are the top priority in this kingdom. Haman acknowledges this and unsurprisingly has developed the same mindset - to get what he wants, any methods are acceptable.

When we consider this character of Human, we often see a man whom we hate. Someone we feel disgusted with and whom we see evil in. That may be true, but is it fair for us to judge at all?

I am sure we can all think of people that we dislike, who we don't get along with, whose methods we think are disagreeable or even despicable. Yet, are we even aware of their influences? upbringing? expectations? Like Haman, have they been indoctrinated in a culture or society where certain things are allowable, acceptable or expected?

Do you judge people as unworthy and unacceptable because of their characteristics, personality or choices? Jesus doesn't.

Jesus came to forgive everyone who accepts Him, he even went our to meet the most unacceptable people of his culture - those who were detested by the Jews, those who lived lives of depravity and deceit - He invited them into relationship.

 So, my question to you this week is; are you willing to be like Jesus and accept the unacceptable? to form relationships with those who don't match up to your idea of a friend? Are you willing to share who Jesus is to you to those you think least deserve it? You never know, you might be giving a Haman the chance to redeem his life. You might be giving Saul the chance to transform into Paul. You never know whose life you may influence when you treat people like Jesus does.

what's your wealth?

So, as we have now come t the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, it’s time to start a new one. This time, it’ll be Esther as suggested by a friend, so this week we will just go through the introductory bit which sets the scene;

Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, *2*in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, *3*in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, *4*while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. *5*And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. *6*There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. *7*Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. *8*And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. *9*Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus. 
Esther 1:1–9.

So, what do you make of that?!
Basically, the king Ahasuerus, who reigned over 127 areas gave a huge party lasting 180days, that’s almost half a year! For half a year, this king showed off his wealth, possessions, land and household to those he entrusted with power and authority. Can you imagine partying for 6months? Having 6 months with your boss whilst others carry your workload. It sounds kind of ludicrous doesn’t it? just a bit over-the-top?

Then, we can consider the luxury of the place - even the floor is impressive, the stuff people walk over with their dusty feet sparkles with jewels. The whole scene is extravagant. There are coverings, abundance of provisions, expensive fabric, couches of gold and silver, even the cups were made of gold. I mean, I don’t know how much more this king could of done to demonstrate his wealth! It’s lavish, he is clearly a man of authority and power as well as great monetary worth.

So, to what purpose has he put his riches?
In this scene he’s clearly spent it on stuff, impressive possessions, he is showing off what he has, and he takes half a year to do so! He must think a lot of himself, not unreasonably really, due to his position of power.
Yet, to what purpose does he think he has all this? It seems that he is using what he has to; enjoy it, show his greatness and glory in his own worth. He has the idea that all of these things are his and his alone, he shows others what he has, but he doesn’t seem to give anything that he has, his possessions remain his, others may look at them, but he doesn’t seem to be sharing the richness of his kingdom.

I know, in life, many of us will fail to feel an ounce of wealth like this king has, yet we are all wealthy in our own ways. Maybe you are; wise, faithful, patient, studious, creative, genuine, or maybe you do have an overflow of cash. We all have areas of life that we have worth and wealth in, so how are you using them? Are you, like this king, appreciating the good things that you have, which you definitely should, but are you just keeping them to yourself? Do others benefit from the richness you have? it doesn’t have to be in big, flashy ways like this king has done, but if you have a gift of hospitality, do you open your home to others? Do you help others learn if you’re knowledgeable about something? Do you sit and listen with patience to those who need a friend? You don’t need to do all of these things, but you have this wealth for purpose, these God-given gifts are placed into your hands to be used beyond yourself, so how are you doing that?