Bible Reading: Hosea 12-14; Revelation 3
Memory Verse: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17 (KJV).
A man living in one of the high brow estates in Lagos Island was known to be a generous man in church. A great philanthropist was he and a numner of people must have been envying him or praying to be like him because he was rich materially. However all the respect and honour that people had for him evaporated when he died. Upon his death, a ritual of his mother was found in one of his special rooms! This is the woman that was declared missing and both himself and his siblings searched everywhere for her without a success only for the dead body used for money ritual to be found in her son’s house! What a wicked world. This man was rich in material things and was seen by men as a good man because of his generosity. Who could have imagined that such a man could have killed his own mother just for worldly riches!
Sadly, he couldn’t hold on to any of the riches; he left them behind when death called. But he did not save towards heaven! You may have acquired your wealth through hard work but need to realise that without God, it would have been impossible. Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (KJV), “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” It is important that you are rich in good works by helping the needy and supporting the preaching of the gospel.
The man above thought his secret was covered but forgot that there is someone who knows all secrets and will reveal them at the appropriate time. What is your own secret that you think nobody knows? It may not be money ritual, but whatever it is, it will be revealed one day. It may be revealed while you are alive, or dead like the man above. However it’s important to note that though the dead man did some good works, they are not acceptable because he did it while he was still swimming in sin! The Bible says in Proverbs 15:8 (KJV), “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord : but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”
The beginning of riches in heaven is being born again. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If not, please do so now by confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness and accepting him as your Saviour. Then you can engage in good works and live a life of holiness so that you can end well.
Prayer point: Father, help me to live a life of holiness and be rich in good works towards heaven.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero