Righteousness of Abraham that made him rich
By the time God appeared to
Abraham with a promise to bless him, Abraham was not a special man by any of
his deeds in front of God . In the sense, Abraham was an average righteous man
without having major sins in his life by the time God appeared to him for the
first time.
We read in Genesis 12:1-3 that God was appearing to Abraham and promising him that he would be blessed in many ways. Then, we read in Genesis 13:2 that Abraham being blessed materially in fulfillment of a part of the same promise of God.
However when we read the incidents that are recorded in between Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 13:2, we find it difficult to see any special righteousness in Abraham which could cause God to bless him materially in such a special way. Instead of a righteous act, we find an incident recorded in between the above two passages that mention the promise of God and its fulfillment, that would harm integrity of Abraham where God is concerned. Look at the below scripture:
Genesis 12:11-13
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: (12) Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. (13) Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
According to the above passage, we see Abraham failing to trust God for the protection of his life before Pharaoh. Nevertheless, God intervened on behalf of Abraham even without Abraham's request and saved his wife from Pharaoh, the king in Egypt.
What was the righteousness of Abraham that caused God to intervene on behalf of Abraham by protecting his wife?
Why didn't God warn Abraham for not trusting God for his protection from Pharaoh?
What was the righteousness of Abraham that caused God to bless Abraham so much with substances?
Abraham was living in Haran when God first appeared to him and asked him to leave his country and go to the land God would show him on the way. Look at the below scriptures:
Genesis 12:1-3
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
If you carefully read the above passage, you can understand that God had not given enough information to Abraham about his destination before Abraham's departure from his own country. Nevertheless, in trusting God's promise, Abraham departed from his country with his wife (Sarai) and his brother's son (Lot) and all the servants that were with him. What a risky decision for a human who makes judgements by observing the environment and circumstances in it with facts and figures!
Making this risky decision in trusting God is the first level of righteousness that Abraham earned just above an average righteous person.
Then, God led him to the land of Canaan. When Abraham reached Canaan, God appeared to him again and made another promise saying that that Abraham's seed would inherit this land.
Genesis 12:6-7
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. (7) And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
However, when Abraham traveled further toward the south, he found a famine in the land. This famine was so severe that he had to temporarily leave Canaan, which was the destination of his journey according to God's promise, for Egypt.
Genesis 12:9-10
And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. (10) And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
According to the Scripture, there is no proof to say that Abraham was upset by seeing a famine in the promised land, which prevented him from settling down there during his first visit. Abraham did not ask any questions from God regarding this famine. Why?
It is because Abraham trusted God's promise that he would be blessed. Abraham was living in God's promise in such a depth that the famine could not cause Abraham to entertain any negative thoughts about God's promise. We should not miss the point by thinking that Abraham had to accidentally face a famine in Canaan. Truly, this famine was ordained by God for Abraham to face soon after he stepped into Canaan in order to try Abraham's heart for the second time.
Moving to Egypt without any complaints against God, while trusting God's promise, was the second level of righteousness Abraham earned above an average righteous person.
Thus, God moved to bless Abraham materially.
We read in Genesis 12:1-3 that God was appearing to Abraham and promising him that he would be blessed in many ways. Then, we read in Genesis 13:2 that Abraham being blessed materially in fulfillment of a part of the same promise of God.
However when we read the incidents that are recorded in between Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 13:2, we find it difficult to see any special righteousness in Abraham which could cause God to bless him materially in such a special way. Instead of a righteous act, we find an incident recorded in between the above two passages that mention the promise of God and its fulfillment, that would harm integrity of Abraham where God is concerned. Look at the below scripture:
Genesis 12:11-13
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: (12) Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. (13) Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
According to the above passage, we see Abraham failing to trust God for the protection of his life before Pharaoh. Nevertheless, God intervened on behalf of Abraham even without Abraham's request and saved his wife from Pharaoh, the king in Egypt.
What was the righteousness of Abraham that caused God to intervene on behalf of Abraham by protecting his wife?
Why didn't God warn Abraham for not trusting God for his protection from Pharaoh?
What was the righteousness of Abraham that caused God to bless Abraham so much with substances?
Abraham was living in Haran when God first appeared to him and asked him to leave his country and go to the land God would show him on the way. Look at the below scriptures:
Genesis 12:1-3
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
If you carefully read the above passage, you can understand that God had not given enough information to Abraham about his destination before Abraham's departure from his own country. Nevertheless, in trusting God's promise, Abraham departed from his country with his wife (Sarai) and his brother's son (Lot) and all the servants that were with him. What a risky decision for a human who makes judgements by observing the environment and circumstances in it with facts and figures!
Making this risky decision in trusting God is the first level of righteousness that Abraham earned just above an average righteous person.
Then, God led him to the land of Canaan. When Abraham reached Canaan, God appeared to him again and made another promise saying that that Abraham's seed would inherit this land.
Genesis 12:6-7
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. (7) And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
However, when Abraham traveled further toward the south, he found a famine in the land. This famine was so severe that he had to temporarily leave Canaan, which was the destination of his journey according to God's promise, for Egypt.
Genesis 12:9-10
And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. (10) And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
According to the Scripture, there is no proof to say that Abraham was upset by seeing a famine in the promised land, which prevented him from settling down there during his first visit. Abraham did not ask any questions from God regarding this famine. Why?
It is because Abraham trusted God's promise that he would be blessed. Abraham was living in God's promise in such a depth that the famine could not cause Abraham to entertain any negative thoughts about God's promise. We should not miss the point by thinking that Abraham had to accidentally face a famine in Canaan. Truly, this famine was ordained by God for Abraham to face soon after he stepped into Canaan in order to try Abraham's heart for the second time.
Moving to Egypt without any complaints against God, while trusting God's promise, was the second level of righteousness Abraham earned above an average righteous person.
Thus, God moved to bless Abraham materially.
You say that the righteousness of Abraham made him rich, but the righteousness of Christ which exceeded that of Abraham did not make Him rich. Christ did never preach that His followers would proper and become rich if they obeyed Him. To everyone who asked to follow Him, He asked them to leave all their worldly wealth and follow Him. Whom are we to take as our example to follow as Christians? It is Christ who is our example. He is the only righteous person. No one else is perfectly righteous other than Him. Our righteous deeds are like dirty rags compared with God's righteousness. Please brother, do not go after material wealth. Don't give prominence to those things of this world that are temporary. The more material wealth we have, the more we are tempted by the things of this world.
ReplyDeleteFurther, there is so much suffering around us, so that if we have wealth we should be giving our wealth to those in suffering if we so love our neighbor. If God blesses us with material wealth it is for the purpose of helping others, and not for living luxurious lives.
Yes, I agree that wealth of this world hinder our spiritual journey with God. But that is not the problem with the wealth, but keeping our heart on the wealth. As long as we don't keep our heart on our wealth, wealth does not turn as evil for us. In other words, we should not love the wealth, but use it as the Lord would bless us with wealth.
DeleteI want to show you three scripture where Christ has promised us worldly blessings. I am showing you these scriptures as you say that Jesus has not promised us worldly blessings. But the best part is that you know very well that Jesus has asked us to follow him giving up what we have right now with us. Yes, Jesus gives us worldly blessings when when we follow him giving up what we have earned with our own strength. Here are the scriptures for your information...
Mar 10:29-30 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (30) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mat 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (29) And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Luk 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
Money becomes evil when you keep your heart on it. Jesus is asking us to come to Him giving up our wealth as He wants to take our heart away from it. But when we learn to live without the love of wealth/money, then He is returning us hundredfold of what we have given up in order to follow him.
Brother, the scripture you have shown refers not to earthly riches. If the verses you referred to are speaking of earthly riches, then why didn't Peter or any other apostle inherit such wealth? What did the first church do with their wealth? They sold all they had and brought the money and shared among each other.
DeleteRead Luke 9:58 - And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.
You say that earthly riches are good as long as we do not love those riches, but which person would keep his riches if he does not love those riches? Why should we keep what we do not love (want)? Why do we need riches? For what purpose? Why do we need to live lives of luxury? Why do we need these if we do not love them? Beware brother, riches are like snares.
If we love others as we love ourselves (which is the commandment of Jesus Christ), then we should want others around us to enjoy what we too enjoy. That even means the luxuries we have. Can we enjoy those riches and luxuries if people around us are suffering even without the basics? We have no right to those luxuries if we are blind to the needs of those who we hear that are in need. If we are followers of Christ and are keeping His commandments, we have no right for those riches if we do not share them keeping nothing for our benefit.
Jesus does not promise us worldly riches, He only calls us to follow Him, denying our selves and carrying our crosses.
Mark 8: 34-36 - And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Jesus asks us to DENY our SELVES. "Self" means our desires, our desires of this world, (includes desire of wealth) He asks us to deny those desires and follow Him. This denial of our personal desires is the cross we have to carry as a burden. It is a burden since we would be tempted all through are lives to return to our old way of life and enjoy those comforts we so desired.
Dear Anonymous,
DeleteI admit what you say. But I need your help to interpret certain words in the below scripture:
Mar 10:29-30 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (30) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Please explain the following words according to your interpretation.
1. 'lands' in Mar 10:30
lands = ??????????
2. 'hundredfold now in this time, houses' in Mar 10:30
'houses' = ??????
'hundredfold now in this time' = ???????
No need to explain. Just write your interpretations before each word.
Dear brother, Houses and lands in hundredfold together with hundredfold in brothers, sisters, mothers and children too. Yes, when we leave aside what we have and follow Him, we get these things. We get houses and lands the same way we get brothers, sisters, mothers and children. How would you explain getting hundred
Deletefold of brothers, sisters, mothers and children? Please answer brother. My answers to your above question is the same as how this question is understood.
Dear Anonymous,
DeleteYou seem to know the right answers to everything where my article is concerned. According to you, I have received wrong interpretations from the beginning where my whole article is concerned. That is the main reason why you started this conversation (in order to give me the right interpretation).
So, please help me without asking my interpretations anymore. Please just write the interpretation you get for the words that I have given you. That's where I need your help. God bless you!
Dear brother,
DeleteMy first comment clearly states my understanding guided by the Lord.
Let me explain:
1. The "lands" and "houses" we receive in hundred fold as told in Mark 10:30 are those that we receive the same way we receive many more brothers, sisters, mothers and children. We receive them as fellow believers, they become our own brothers, sisters, mothers and children and we are expected to share our wealth (Lands and houses) among each other. That happened in the early church where all enjoyed in common the earthly blessings each had received.
2. Regarding earthly comforts, Matthew 6:25-34 is clear. When we first seek His kingdom and His righteousness, we are given all things that we require to live this earthly life. Firstly, it is not our "own righteousness" that is accepted by God. It is "His righteousness" that is valid in His eyes. Abraham was accepted as a righteous person not due to his righteous work but due to his faith. His faith was counted as righteousness by God. It is through faith in God and due to His grace that we are made righteous.
Secondly, we are to use those earthly comforts without selfishness but sharing with each-other. That was Christ's teaching and example. That was what the early church of the apostles followed.
3. Why do we yearn to be blessed with earthly riches. Doesn't earthly comforts exist only for the entertainment of flesh? I'm not referring to the basic needs of a person. If we seek to comfort our flesh and look for it's pleasure, there is no end to our needs. Our needs expand as we gain more and more. Just look at the world and we can understand that truth.
4. We all are not blessed equally with earthly comforts nor spiritual gifts. We saw none of the 12 disciples getting rich after following Christ, nor did Paul or any of the members of the early Church. They got only persecution as rewards for following Christ. Some who were rich before they believed in Christ sold all they had and shared among each other.
Dear Anonymous,
DeleteNow you got my point. Praise the Lord! The same message I have shared through my article. I have never mentioned that The Lord gives us worldly blessings to fulfill any selfish ambitions coming from the flesh. Truly, we are The Lord's stewards. The Lord gives us material blessings to share with others. So, what about the needs of the steward? When the steward is blessed with material blessings to share with others, the steward himself is blessed to enjoy them. So, now you realize that that is a way that a Christian could be material blessed. I praise my God as you finally understood this fact.
Well, touching the life of disciples, can you prove with the scriptures that they lived in lack of material blessings? In the life of Paul, he has mentioned that although God has given them power to live of the gospel when they preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14), he has not used this power lest his gospel being hindered. However, he testifies that all other disciples is using this power. This implies that none of the disciples lived in want. They were materially blessed abundantly. But when you read all of Paul's writings, you can understand that later or earlier in his life, he has talked to the church regarding giving to the disciples including himself.
Jesus himself has never lived in poverty. He was born to a very wealthy family. Mary's husband, Joseph was a very wealthy person. That is why you see he is having another house in Capernuam.
It is true that Jesus once said to a certain scribe that He had no place to keep his head. But Jesus spoke these words to this scribe because Jesus didn't want him to follow Him. So He used these words just to discourage him to follow Jesus. Look at the below scripture:
Mat 8:19-20 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (20) And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
But if you see the next two verses, you see another disciple is asking the same question as the scribe, but Jesus is simply asking him to follow him. Look at the scripture below:
Mat 8:21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. (22) But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
If Jesus had no place to keep his head, why didn't Jesus tell the same story to the other disciple too???
You need revelation to understand these scriptures, If you go by the meaning on the surface, you are going to miss many things. As you have communicated with me so long on this subject, I would like to know your name and your fb id.
Well, remember when you read the Bible, be very careful when reading what Jesus has spoken to scribes, pharisees, elders and priests because Jesus has never given holy things to dogs and swine...
Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
May God bless you!