James 2:5 KJV
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
My thoughts go back to Barnabas who sold all his land and possessions and laid the money at the apostles' feet for distribution to those in need. Barnabas likely never had material wealth in this life again.
I do not know that the land Barnabas owned was near Jerusalem. The Bible says he was from Cyprus. However, if his land was in Jerusalem he would have lost it anyway and his children, if he had any, would not have inherited it either. In 70 AD the Romans leveled Jerusalem and annihilated any Jews who remained in the city. Barnabas was no fool to give up that which he could not keep gaining in heaven that which he could not lose.
Richness in faith and heirs of the kingdom are far greater riches than any possessions we might have in this world and if these earthly trinkets prevent us from growing in faith then it is no sacrifice to take joyfully the spoiling of those goods for the far greater riches in heaven.
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
My thoughts go back to Barnabas who sold all his land and possessions and laid the money at the apostles' feet for distribution to those in need. Barnabas likely never had material wealth in this life again.
I do not know that the land Barnabas owned was near Jerusalem. The Bible says he was from Cyprus. However, if his land was in Jerusalem he would have lost it anyway and his children, if he had any, would not have inherited it either. In 70 AD the Romans leveled Jerusalem and annihilated any Jews who remained in the city. Barnabas was no fool to give up that which he could not keep gaining in heaven that which he could not lose.
Richness in faith and heirs of the kingdom are far greater riches than any possessions we might have in this world and if these earthly trinkets prevent us from growing in faith then it is no sacrifice to take joyfully the spoiling of those goods for the far greater riches in heaven.
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