Rich Resources
And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. - 2 Samuel 19:31-32
Barzillai was a rich man who helped take care of David when he was in trouble. He used his rich resources to provide supplies for the king and his company while they stayed in the city of Mahanaim. This was the place where Absalom came to kill David, thinking there was no possible way he could escape. Yet, God protected and provided for him in the city.
It is true––God blesses people financially. God desires they enjoy what they have worked so hard for: …every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3:13). But what else should they do with all their riches? If their wealth is squandered on themselves it has no real eternal benefits.
There is a joy in giving to God and assisting those who are less fortunate. Have you ever thought about using your financial resources to help others? Even Jesus was blessed by those who used their wealth to assist Him. Certain women in the Bible, helped meet His everyday needs:
…Mary called Magdalene… and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Himfrom their substance (Luke 8:2-3).
Yet Judas was a thief (John 12:6); we might condemn his actions. But do we steal from God when we fail to tithe to God? Malachi 3:8 says: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me….In tithes and offerings. Sadly, in our lack of obedience in giving we miss out on His promised blessings.
…try Me in this if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
~Malachi 3:10~
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