The Watchman
Psalm 24:1 tells us that the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein. Joel 3:5 tells us that the silver and gold belong to God.
We hear a lot today about investing in gold and silver for your future and protection. I am not against investing; having money is not wrong. The question is what we are doing with what God has given us. If we do not use it for his glory, James 5:1-6 warns us that riches can consume us. It warns us not to hoard what God blessed us with and to watch how we acquire our wealth.
God’s word warns us in 1 Timothy 6:9 that those who will be rich fall into temptation, a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which draw men into destruction and perdition. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:23-25, “Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” In verse 25, his disciples were amazed, saying, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
I know I have said a lot here about wealth and riches, but what matters is how we use them. Remember, they belong to God, and when all is said and done, they return to God. We cannot take them with us. Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 12:48: Everyone who has been given much will be demanded much, and for the one who has been entrusted with much, more will be asked.
Now, getting back to the Earth belongs to the Lord. In the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, chapters 1 and 2 describe the creation of the universe and the world. They also tell us about man and woman, who are created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). He gave them dominion over all the earth. Much was given to humanity, and much is required, yet humanity is failing miserably.
Shortly after God gave them this dominion, in chapter three of Genesis (3:1-15), his creation failed God, fell into sin, and separated Adam and Eve from their former relationship with God. Not only them, but also the human race (Romans 5:19): For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. Through their disobedience, there was a shift on earth when they listened to the serpent’s voice (Genesis 3:4). They chose to listen to the serpent, and now the domain was given unto the devil. He was given the keys to death and hell because of Adam and Eve’s choice.
Romans 5:17 says that if by one man’s offense death reigned by one. That’s why Satan, in Ephesians 2:2, is called the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children through disobedience. But God gave a prophecy to the serpent in Genesis 3:15, saying, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” From that day to the present, there has been a battle between the seed of the woman and the serpent and those who follow him.
In Romans 5:19 and 5:17, I only gave half of the scripture; now I will give the rest. For a time, the devil had the keys to death and hell until Jesus, God’s son, died on the cross and on the third day rose from the dead. Colossians 2:14-15 says he’s blotting out the handwriting of ordinance that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (verse 15). Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it, the cross. The blood of God’s Son defeated him.
To those who believe, Jesus tells John in Revelation 1:18, “I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of earth.” Now, the rest of the word, Romans 5:17, “much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ.” Verse 19, “so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” At the cross, Jesus crushed his head; he’s still bruising our heels, but shortly, Romans 16:20, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet.” The final victory is coming for the believers of Jesus Christ.
Stay Tuned: The Watchman
