Dear Northside
This world seems backward. Why do so many people who blaspheme God prosper financially? And why do so many Christians struggle to make ends meet?
The prosperity gospel has tried to fill the gap, but it falls short. You can’t name what you want and then claim that God owes it to you.
Here is a passage that I pray will help us understand why the world is obsessed with prosperity, and how we should respond. There are many other places in the Bible that deal with this topic, but Psalm 73 has a fresh, concise line of thinking. Here is a paraphrase below.
Walk with me through a narrative summary of Psalm 73:
I (Asaph, the writer) envied the easy lives of the proud and prosperous.
Always healthy and strong, with no troubles like the rest of us.
They flaunt their pride and have everything they could ever want!
They boast and always try to outdo others.
Everyone listens to them and is persuaded to follow them.
This makes believers question God – does He even see what these blasphemers are doing and how they mock Him?
If they can succeed like this, what good is it to try to stay pure?
No, I don’t want to blaspheme You, Lord.
But really, why DO the wicked prosper?
When I worshipped You, I realised they have no future – all their pleasures are short-lived.
Then I realised I’ve been bitter toward them, which is foolish.
You’ve not only promised me eternal glory, but You give me Your wisdom and Yourself here and now.
Why should I want anything more than that while I’m on the earth?
Even if I get physically sick and spiritually weak, You remain my strength.
Those who abandon You will die and never see Your glory.
For now, I will enjoy Your nearness.
You will always watch over me.
I will tell others about all the wonderful things You do.
Do you relate to the first half of this chapter? How many of us can relate to the 2nd half?
While this paraphrase of the NLT isn’t perfect, it tries to capture the writer’s emotion, honest questions and humility. Did you see this part? “You give me Your wisdom and Yourself here and now. Why should I want anything more than that while I’m on the earth?”
Lord, free me of my earthly desires. Free me from jealousy, bitterness, greed and selfishness. Fill me with desire for You. A desire to worship You, to trust You more and to tell people about You. Help me tell others about all the wonderful things You do for me.
I hope that you will join us for an exciting journey through the Book of Hebrews this term and next. In the storms of life, we all need an anchor that will stand firm and hold us in place. What is your anchor? If it’s not Jesus, how’s your anchor doing?
I am looking forward to being part of the Business Mentorship Seminar next weekend. Thanks to the Doulos men for organising this.
God bless, Pastor Gary