The Generosity of GodSample

The Richest People In The World

I know two women who each received a large and unexpected inheritance from their fathers. Instantly, they were richer than they ever imagined.

Our world defines rich as having everything. Everything you want. Everything you need. Everything to secure your days and satisfy your desires. Achieve that and you’ve made it. You beat the game.

But Jesus’ definition of 'rich' is quite different. In his eyes, it’s possible to look rich, but be truly poor, or to feel poor, but be truly rich. Jesus said:

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)… (Revelation 2:9)

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)

Again and again, God’s word calls us to define life from heaven’s perspective. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, God reminds us how rich we already are because of what we do have.

We have this treasure in jars of clay.

You and I are recipients of an unexpected treasure. This treasure is heavenly. Jesus came from heaven. His life’s mission was to bring the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Everywhere he went, heaven kept breaking in. Jesus said he is the one way to heaven, and after his death and resurrection went ahead to prepare a place for us in heaven.

This treasure we have is eternal. Our treasure does not fluctuate with the markets. It never goes out of style. It cannot be lost or taken away. Jesus himself promised, I am with you always, to the end of the age, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

This treasure we have is infinite. It cannot be improved on or added to. It can never be exhausted. Every year we grow, we find him bigger than we previously thought. Every time we give him away, we get more of him ourselves.

The treasure we have is valuable. Jesus told a story of a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field. Jesus and his kingdom are a treasure worth joyfully selling everything for. Indeed, to gain the whole world, but not have Jesus is poverty.

This treasure we have is personal. It’s not a possession or portfolio, it’s a person. Jesus is the greatest treasure known to man. He has been worshipped by generations before us and is still praised every week by billions of people in thousands of languages and cultures around the world. We are those who know Jesus personally, just as he knows us personally.

Do you have him? Jesus is a river of living water for thirsty souls. He’s an orchard in the desert. He’s the warm sun after a long winter. Jesus is light in the darkness. He’s a clean slate for the guilty and rest for the weary.

Do you have him? You can’t earn your way to Jesus. You ask and receive. You don’t perform for him. You repent and believe.

Do you have him? If you do, you are among the richest people in the world.

To be rich does not mean having everything; it means having the one thing that is worth everything – Jesus.