Bible Reading: Num. 28, 29,30. Mark: 8:20-38
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36 (KJV)
The Preacher made a very outstanding statement in Ecclesiastes 12:8 (KJV) “Vanity of vanities, siath the preacher; all is vanity.” The whole of living and acquiring is premised more on vanities. A story was told of a madman who was passing by the compound of a very wealthy man who died and was being buried. When they wanted to put his body in the grave, the madman rushed in and was shouting at the relatives why would they bury the man without burying him with his mansions and luxurious cars. The essence of this narrative is to illustrate the vainness of our pursuit and acquisition here on earth. The scriptures says in Job 1:21a (KJV) “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither:” The human pursuit for riches, fame and power is driven by ambition and the desire to be known, respected, honoured, for fame and appreciated. None of this is tangible but dwells in the abstract realm. The pursuit for power, riches and fame has led to many killings and destructions. Nation has gone into war because of the terribly evil driven ambitions of men. Lives have been wasted because of the pursuit for things of earthly value that will be acquired and left here on earth. The things that are eternal carry eternal values but occupy very little place in the heart of men. It is no wonder that our Lord and Saviour asked this profound question “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” Mark 8:36 (KJV).
The devil has deceived man into blindly pursuing after the things that have no eternal value, neglecting the issues of eternal value. No wonder “They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit” – Job 15:35 (KJV). Deception dwells in the realm of vanity as its place of abode. The Soul of a man cannot be bought with money. The spirit is eternal and it is on earth here that God has given us opportunity for rebirth as there is no repentance in the grave. To give our life strong values of eternal consequence was the reason for the coming and manifestation of the Son of God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” – John 3:16(KJV). All things built on vanity shall perish. All physical structures built on vain pursuit will perish. God has given us a place in eternity through the acceptance of Christ into our lives. The acceptance of Christ into our lives creates eternal values.
My dear reader, just wonder and ponder a little on life and you will see through the façade the vainness of human pursuit and acquisition. I beseech you to accept Christ into your life for the eternal preservation of your spirit and soul.
Prayer: Father help me to fully conceptualize the love of God and grace to pursue after things of eternal value.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo