Billionaires

Have you ever taken a look at the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List?  It is mind-numbing.  Just today, when I checked, Elon Musk had lost US$7.5 billion since yesterday!  He is the richest man in the world, coming in with a Net Worth of US$780.4 billion.  Coming in at number four is Jeff Bezos, of Amazon fame, with US$249 billion, and Mark Zuckerberg, of Facebook, at number six, with US$231 billion!  Those numbers are staggering, and the list of billionaires is too.  I got tired of scrolling at 1,800 billionaires and gave up! 

The problem with this list is that it misses out on those who have true and absolutely staggering riches.  That’s us!  The adopted sons and daughters of The Great I Am.  Ephesians 3:8 tells us that we are heirs of “unfathomable riches of Christ.”  Translators have used the words inexplorable, inexhaustible, incalculable, and infinite to try to draw a comparison with unfathomable.  It really is just simply inexplicable.

Do you remember the parable of the man who found treasure in a field?  Jesus told this story to his disciples, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”  Matthew 13:44.  This wise man knew that the treasure was of great value, and so he sold everything to obtain it.  The kingdom of heaven is that treasure, one of unfathomable worth and incomparable value.  It is more to be desired than precious gold or silver and, in fact, is worth everything, our very lives.

Did you see the joy?!  This treasure brought the man so much joy.  It is that same joy that comes when you give your life to Jesus, when you realise that you are chosen, adopted, a daughter of the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords.  Joy bubbling over at the eternal gifts that the Father has for you, poured out in abundance and without measure.  Joy, laughter, and the Kingdom of Heaven are found in Jesus Christ.  The one who gave it all and the one we give everything we have for.

Reflections:

1. What are the places in your life where you measure wealth and success by worldly standards rather than by the unfathomable riches you have in Christ?
2. Describe what it means to you that you are heir, a daughter, to the “unfathomable riches of Christ”?
3. If you absolutely and undoubtedly believe deep down in your heart of hearts that Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven are your greatest treasures, what might you joyfully let go of in order to pursue Christ more?

Step-By-Step

Take a short walk and ask the Lord to show you three “hidden treasures” along the way.
Each time you notice something beautiful or unexpected (a flower, a child’s laughter, a kind word, sunlight, a verse that comes to mind), whisper: “Thank You for the unfathomable riches of Christ.” Let the physical treasures remind you of the greater spiritual ones you carry every day.