YOU CAN BE RICH AND ANOINTED

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. His life was centred on making money instead of on God . You will notice nothing was spoken of his family because such a life results in failed families . Money had become this man's god. Such persons easily take 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.  a lot of money is not a sin ,it is being possessed by it that is a sin .

        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 rich man 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 towards missionaries and the poor is an indicator 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 was not 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 need 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. This teaching ministry uses radio and TV when we can and the internet 365 days of the year costing us a lot of money and winning souls for the kingdom of God. 

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for creativity, productivity and extraordinary financial breakthroughs in Jesus name.
Free prayer/counseling +234 8035536911, +234 8098536911
email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com   

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