S) "13 Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, custom or toll, and it will damage the revenue of the kings."
Ezra 4:13 (NASB)
O) In the first opposition that the remnant faced, their enemies appealed to Artaxerxes, warning him about the returned Jews. For their defense, they urged the king to search the records about Jerusalem, which was a historically formidable citadel. Now these men, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and nameless others, their motives are not exactly clear. They appealed to their king, claiming nothing more than a will to serve the crown. Maybe that's true. But, their words were not really about loyalty or faithfulness, but about greed. Maybe they were simply racist, or jealous, or genuinely afraid of history repeating itself. But they didn't approach their king with those things. They approached Artexerxes regarding lost profits.
A) There are a lot of moral reasons to do things. There are a lot of legal reasons for doing things. Still, it seems that nothing motivates the actions of men, quite like money does. It is no wonder that Jesus compared wealth to an idol god (see Luke 16:13). It's also no wonder, then, that "prosperity gospels" are so attractive, from both ends. People hearing the message must be drawn to a Christianity that conforms to their perceptions of need, value, and even purpose. People who preach it must realize how much people are concerned about money, and will give their ear to hear lengthy messages, if it is even suggested that they might profit from hearing. The solution, the real truth of the matter, is that in Christ, the wealth of man is devalued. The inheritance from Christ Jesus is invaluable. In view of eternity, no one should be able to motivate me with money. However, despite knowing that truth, I still find myself preoccupied with financial concerns. Hearing this story of Artexerxes, I am reminded of how much money can blind us. He wasn't considering what was right. He certainly wasn't concerned with what the LORD wanted. I don't want to be like Artexerxes. Instead of considering the financial impact of my decisions, I should really, only be considering what God says about situations I face. Maybe God would bless me financially, but I know there are a great many ways He will bless, that have nothing to do with money. Maybe God-given wisdom leads me to make a financially reasoned decision, still. But, that should never be my starting point. My starting point should always be to seek the LORD, and His will, and His way.
P) Father, You are enough. I don't want to be divided in my attention, between You and money. I don't want to be double minded. I don't want people to be able to sway me, based on financial implications. You are holy, and I want to be holy. When other people see how little value I put on money, I want that to reflect Your goodness to Your servant. I want people to realize that I am different because my Lord calls me differently. I fully depend on You for provision. Be glorified in how I spend, save, and view money. Let me never be deceived by the allure of wealth. I know that is a false god, who could never be who You already are. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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