BILLIONAIRES CAN BE ANOINTED AND BE SPIRITUAL TOO

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
   “…And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he  also is a son of Abraham….” Luke 19:2-9

          In Mark 10 : 17-21 Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and give to the poor, the reason being that he had more value for material  wealth than for God. Money had become his god. That's the condition of every person that easily takes offense whenever money is mentioned for the purpose of benevolence and missionary work.   Zacchaeus was very rich and was despised by the poor , probably because he was a tax collector, an occupation that attracts more foes than friends . It is also common to see the rich being relegated to the background in church activities, they are considered as ‘not being spiritual enough’ as though poverty was a virtue to be celebrated in the church of Christ.It is God’s will that we prosper materially (3John1:2). Sin is no respecter of one’s financial status. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

        Unlike the case of the rich ruler in Mark 10:17-21, Zaccheaus had a spiritual disposition that was in tandem with a repentant soul. His climbing the tree was humbling, the social implication of a billionaire hanging on top of tree while trying to catch a glimpse of a preacher is best left to one’s imagination.Therefore,as an acknowledgement of his approval before God , Jesus insisted that He would lodge in Zacchaeus’ house.  

           Benevolence is the hallmark of a truly repented soul as demonstrated by those who came to Jesus seeking for forgiveness , examples includes Mary’s very expensive alabaster perfume  gift to Jesus Christ (luke7:37) and  the woman at the well who  evangelized her community at her own expense: She hosted Jesus and his ministry team for days in Samaria ( John4:19-43) she wasn't poor.
         The Holy Spirit destroys the selfish sinful nature in man at salvation. Therefore , Zacchaeus was already prepared in his heart to do benevolence to the poor without being told to do so therefore Jesus did not command him to give to the poor unlike the rich young ruler in Mark10.

          Jesus’ visit to Zacchaeus was contrary to the expectations of the religious folks .They expected Jesus to avoid the so called “rich sinners”  .We are the light of the world and light has no value in the absence of darkness. The scriptures are replete with accounts of wealthy personalities who did well in their ministry to God. An example is Cornelius (Acts 10).   The world needs compassionate preachers who are not deterred by antagonists in their bid to win lost souls for the kingdom of God especially the rich who desire to serve God wholeheartedly as much as the less privileged. God's love is not discriminatory neither is it intimidating. God desires that the rich humble themselves like Zacchaeus and spread the gospel of His love to a world in need. The gospel spreads faster through benevolence and in the last days the gospel shall be spread through the prosperity of the saints (Zech1:17) wealthy ministers spread the gospel easier and wider. As  you make the commitment to spread the gospel with your wealth you shall not suffer lack in Jesus name.
+234 8035536911, +234 8098536911
email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com