What are true riches? The world tells us that true riches are the worldly things of gold and silver and all that it will purchase. Our culture says this is what life is about. Is that true? King Solomon thought that was true until he found out differently.
Ecc.2:8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. [1]
In the end Solomon came to the shocking conclusion that having earthly riches was an empty promise. In our story of Job, satan is patrolling the earth and he comes to the throne of God. Job 1:9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. 10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” [2]
The Lord then allowed satan to test Job, but He did not allow him to be harmed physically. Satan then proceeds to destroy Job’s servants, shepherds, livestock and his children. With such a great loss what does Job do? Although his children and riches are gone, Job relies on his relationship with the Lord. This is was his true wealth is found and satan couldn’t touch it. Job 1:20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” [3]
The lesson of Job is a wonderful lesson for all of us. True wealth is being a believer in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It was He who gave His life for you upon the cross at Calvary. Our relationship with Jesus gives us purpose in life and the promise of eternal life in heaven upon our death.
What about you? Have you found true wealth in Jesus? If you have, praise the Lord. If you have not, today the Lord is calling you to confess your sins and to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
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[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.