Walking With Jesus - HopeSample

CRISIS

Do you remember when Indonesia was hit by a crisis a few years ago? At that time the conditions were very difficult: many companies and businesses went bankrupt. Rich people suddenly became poor. The stock price dropped badly. The exchange rate of the rupiah against foreign currencies rose. The social and economic impacts were truly bad due to the crisis.

What lessons can we learn from this event? That’s right, the financial crisis shows us that financial assets are very fragile. The financial condition is very vulnerable to change. Nothing is fixed. Currency exchange rates are always changing. Stock prices go up and down every hour. The prices of necessities are not able to escape the changes as well. 

Lord Jesus emphasized this in today's verses when He warned the rich people not to be complacent. They tried to find life satisfaction by accumulating wealth, even though the wealth would not last long. Crisis, accident, carelessness, fire, and theft can erode our wealth unexpectedly. Tragically, many people sacrifice their eternal life for the sake of pursuing temporary wealth. How sad! People are willing to spend their time and energy on something which is not eternal. 

The economic condition of our country will always fluctuate. No one can guarantee its stability. If we rely on material wealth, we will always worry because of the fear of losing them. Relying on wealth is destructive foolishness. Rely on God in any situation. Relying on Him will enable us to live in peace and hope. Even when we have to face a crisis, God will give us the strength to earn an income to make ends meet. He knows that we need all of these and He will fulfill them for us.

Reflection: 

1. What do you rely on? To answer this, consider the following question: Which one makes you more panicked and anxious: not having enough money for tomorrow or displeasing God because you are rude to your spouse? 

2. What is the real expression of relying on God in your daily life?

Application: Let us depend on God not only on the big things in your life but also on the little things.