True Riches
Introduction
Carl, a rich man loved to ride his horse all over his huge property to admire it and congratulate himself for having achieved so much. On one of these rides, Carl encountered Hans, a tenant farmer who had farmed a small portion of Carl’s land. Carl overheard Hans giving thanks to God for his food. Carl arrogantly wondered what Hans had to give thanks for. Hans was a poor tenant farmer.
Finally, seeing Carl, Hans said, “it’s remarkable that you should come by today. I had a strange dream just before waking this morning. There was beauty and peace all around, and yet I could hear a voice saying: ‘The richest man in the valley will die tonight.’
“Dreams,” said Carl. “Nonsense!” And with that, annoyed that his day was spoiled, Carl galloped home. But being spooked by Hans’ dream, Carl sent for his doctor and asked for a complete checkup. His doctor pronounced him very healthy and insisted he in no way was in danger of death.
The following morning, having awakened and thinking Hans just an old fool, Carl was startled when a servant entered his room with the news, “Sir, it is Hans. He died during the night!”
What makes a person truly rich? What are true riches?
I am sure Carl may have had second thoughts about himself and whether or not he was truly rich. He may have had wealth, property and power, but was he truly rich in the things that really matter.
I presume Hans, the tenant farmer, was rich in what counts in the eyes of God.
Hans, I presume, was a man of deep faith; a man who not only professed to believe, but one who put his faith into practice.
Hans spent time with God in prayer, not just on Sundays.
Hans was a faithful husband, a good father, working long hours to provide for his family.
He was a man of virtue.
But Carl did not consider these as being the criteria for measuring true riches. Carl did not understand what real wealth was. Do we? Hopefully during Lent we will begin to learn. We will heed words of the Lord: “Store up for yourself riches in heaven where neither rust not moth can destroy.”
A tax assessor came one day to a poor minister of the gospel to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. "What do you possess?" he questioned.
"Oh, I am very wealthy," replied the minister. "List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.
The man of God replied,
1. "First, I have eternal life-
2. Second, I have a house in Heaven
3. Thirdly, I have peace that passed understanding
4. Fourth, I have joy unspeakable-.
5. Fifth, I have divine love that never failed-
6. Sixth, I have a faithful, pious wife-.
7. Seventh, I have healthy, happy, obedient children.
8. Eighth, I have true, faithful friends.
9. Ninth, I have songs in the night-
10. Tenth, I have a crown of life awaiting."
The tax collector closed his book and said, "Truly, you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."
In fact we are reach with the all the gifts that our Lord Jesus Christ has made possible for us. And through Him we have received the eternal life everyone that believes.
John 3:16 * Eternal life **
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:2 **House in Heaven***
Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Philippians 4:7 **Peace of God***
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1Peter 1:8 ***Joy that never fails that endure forever ***
1Pe 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
1Cor 13:8 ***Love that never fails***
1Co 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Proverbs 31:10 ** A faithful wife **
Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Exodus 20:12 **Obedient Children***
Exo 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
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Proverbs 18:24*** Faithful friend***
Pro 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Psalms 42:8 ** Song in the night to sing for the Lord**
Psa 42:8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
James 1:12 ** and the Crown of Life that is waiting for us****
James 1:12 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Conclusion
We have to boast in the Lord for the riches that He has given us we have to be proud of the blessing that He has given us.
Rejoice in the Lord alone. To Him be Glory now and for ever Amen.
