RPG Adults
PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (3)
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Ruth 2:8-12
James 5:1-6; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Charge them that are rich
in this world…”
PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (3)
With riches come power and often high-mindedness. However, this ought not to be so. Riches ought not to corrupt those who receive them and make them a “curse” or “scourge” in our society. Rich men ought not to be condemned to unscrupulousness. Boaz clearly illustrated this. The rich too can be godly, humane, compassionate, and caring; and Paul urged Timothy to stress this. The Bible repeatedly addresses the issue of the rich and the poor, showing that they are both created by God (1 Sam 2:7; Prov 22:2). It highlights the relation the rich ought to have with the poor by instruction (Prov 14:31; 19:17; 22:7-9) and by example (2 Cor 8:9; Luke 16:19-31).
“…when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink…” (Ruth 2:9). The picture given of Boaz clearly illustrates the responsibility of the masters towards their servants. The care and compassion he had was seen in the provisions he had made for their welfare, provisions of which Ruth was invited to enjoy. There were vessels to hold water for drinking and young men to draw water and make it available for the servants to quench their thirst. There were also provisions available for them to satisfy their hunger (Ruth 2:14) and Ruth was invited to share and partake of both the water when thirsty, and the bread when hungry.
Wealth should not displace God or dehumanise the wealthy. Life is not defined by possessions and, as such, should not be controlled by it. Our wealth should not lure us away from God, but rather be considered as the orderings of providence for the service of God and the brethren. The riches of this world should not choke us and make us unfruitful in good works (Luke 8:14) as they are transient (Prov 23:5). God’s Word reminds us of the limitations of riches and the value of righteousness. Proverbs 11:4: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.” It also reminds us of the duty to do good to all men as we get the opportunity to do so (Gal 6:6, 10).
THOUGHT: (Read Deuteronomy 8:10-18.)
PRAYER: Father, help us not to be led away by the deceitfulness of riches, but to remember Thee and do good to all men.