The Strait Gate Versus Broadway. Part [12] 03/10/2024 (Evening thought)

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

When Christians in 2024 set their faces towards heaven, looking beyond that which is seen, to that which is eternal, estimating Christ and the kingdom of God as being of infinitely higher value than mere material things, then God could safely bless such a person with material things, because their priorities and heart are in the right place, and order.

But if one’s heart is fixated upon earthly treasure, if one’s priorities are inverted to the point where the material things of earth seem more valuable than eternal realities, then God has to think twice when it comes to blessing such individuals materially, for there will be the possibility of a dangerous blessing, where riches and material things may do more harm than good to the person in question.

This leads us to our study for today, because the rich young ruler in Christ’s day did the same sort of thing that Asaph did, in assessing, and weighing the pros and cons of the strait way versus Broadway. As the stipulations were laid bare to him by Christ, he too, like Asaph, began to scratch his head and stroke his beard as he thought the proposal over.

Matthew 19: 16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why call thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

The Strait Gate Versus Broadway. Part [11] 03/09/2024 (Morning thought)

Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

These two different types of success do present the sort of conundrum that almost caused Asaph in the Bible to stumble, for he had great difficulty in trying to figure out, why those on Broadway seemed to be making it, while he, as a talented musician seemed to be suffering, playing music in church. Thus, he reasoned back and forth, and rolled it over in his mind, he scratches his head, weighing the pros and cons carefully, day after day, until his cogitations and reasonings gave utterance in words that were almost a complaint.

Psalms 73:6 Therefore pride compasses them about as a chain; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

The main problem with Asaph was his attitude, for he fell into the snare of trying to compare apples to oranges, and in the process, he almost lost his way. Asaph was evaluating success and prosperity based upon the material things persons have, and for this reason, he fell into complaining mode as is often the case when the Christian in our day follows his lead.

Psalms 73:15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!