Friday, November 4, 2016

Death is the Great Equalizer

On my way home today, a friend and I got into a discussion about politics--of various levels--and I remarked that Death is the Great Equalizer.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 20:16, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."  Later, Mark 10:31 states, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."  Finally, Luke 13:30 reaffirms that "And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last."


There are people on this earth with money and power who abuse those under them.  They come in all shapes and packages:  politicians, businessmen, ministers, husbands--the backgrounds are endless.  They strut around thinking that they are invincible, and many times they are....on earth.  They pile up riches here on earth, but you know what?  We used to say there were two certain things in life:  death and taxes.  We can no longer say that about taxes..........but, Death is still the Great Equalizer.  In Death, these people (and I tend to think they are largely men) will meet God.  He will not be impressed by their former riches; yes, "former" because they can't take it with them.  He will not be bought, bribed, cajoled, or threatened.  They will be brought low, and the "lowly" of the earth will be brought high.

Matthew 6:19 19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and  thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.…

What does this mean?  The love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us.  The greedy will get their just desserts in the afterlife.  Stockpile treasures in heaven where it will last.  Do for others less fortunate or those otherwise in need.  Guard your hearts against greed, both of money and power. 

1 Timothy 6:  9-11
"Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.…"



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