There is the trend these days for preachers to proclaim prosperity theology or prosperity gospel. They claim that the word of God teaches wealth or financial blessing is the will of God for all Christians. They teach that faith and giving to Christian ministries or the church will result in one’s material wealth.
I have no doubt that God is no man’s debtor and if we seek first the kingdom of God all other things will be added to us. Jesus told his followers not to worry about material things such as food or clothing, as God will provide the needs of his followers. Earlier in the chapter Jesus presented a discussion on how one must not pursue wealth and material things before God. If one seeks God’s Kingdom first, then material needs will follow without need for worry or anxiety. In other words get your priorities right. The Kingdom of God comes first and all others things will fall in the right places.
True religion is a love relationship between yourself and God. God is love, and He gives of His spirit of love to fill the world and we are to be the sharers of this love. Love never seeks its own advantage. (1.Cor 13: 5). Love does not treat the kingdom of God like a casino – put your bet and win a million. And if you lose then they will tell you “it is due your lack of faith.” “You sell your HDB flat give it to the church and you will one day own a big property at the most prestigious place in Singapore.” Religion becomes bargain hunting or lottery.
We worship God because He is God - our Creator and Redeemer. We come to Him and seek His blessings and sometimes blessings come through pain and suffering. Paul writes to the Christians in Philippi “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Be content.
Today’s reading from Love Singapore 40 Day Devotional Booklet brings home this point very clearly. The writer refers to Abraham and this is what the writer says,
“God swore to make Abraham a great nation. But He warned him it wouldn’t be easy. ‘Your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years ‘(Genesis 46: 3) Four hundred years of exile and bondage! Would you stand in line for a prophecy like that?”
Those using this devotional have been following the life of Joseph. The dreams he had led to the path of pain and suffering. Now the story has reached the point where God promised Jacob who was about to go into exile in Egypt. He was to meet his long lost son Joseph God gave him this threefold promise.
I will make you a great nation.
I will go with you.
I will bring you out again. (Genesis 46: 3-4)
The promises of God are sure to them who believe.
The Israelites did become a great nation and Jacob’s descendents eventually returned to Canaan. The Book of Exodus recalls the story of Israel’s slavery for 400 years fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.
Following Jesus does not necessarily bring you material prosperity. It may or may not come. The path to real prosperity goes through pain and sorrow, but we know God’s grace is sufficient for us. What a beautiful assurance we have in Isaiah. It is spiritual prosperity we should be seeking - holy living and be a blessing to others.
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.” Isaiah 43: 1-2
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