For them that dwell before the Lord

For them that dwell before the Lord

Scripture:- And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. Isaiah 23:18

Observation:- Isaiah 23 speaks of a prophecy against the great maritime city of Tyre, that was exceedingly successful in business and trade. However, the knowledge of God was not present in this place, but instead, its god was materialism and commercialism. In her pride and selfishness, Isaiah prophesied of Tyre’s downfall, and in the final verse, we see that the treasure that Tyre hoarded up for itself would instead go to them that dwell before the Lord, for their food and clothing.

This brings to mind Jesus’ Words when He walked the earth such as “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth” and “But many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first”. Jesus was always concerned about the poor of the land, and often spent time among the poor, the widows, the outcasts. Even in Old Testament times, we see how God prepared special provisions for the poor to be looked after in His law.

Yet at the same time, it is not wrong to be rich in itself. Being rich enables us to participate with God in blessing the poor, in making a difference in life and society. Still there are many who has made wealth their god and they hoard up for themselves like the people of Tyre, boasting in their riches, and competing with one another to see who could be more luxurious.

To be exceedingly rich is not for everyone, as wealth can come as a curse for those who know not how to wield it. Yet God is raising a generation of philanthropists who take pleasure in giving and making the world a better place, even among the super rich elite of the world.

Ultimately, we should be content with whatever God gives us – to eat sufficiently and own durable clothing is blessing enough for us.

Application:- Focus not so much on storing up treasures for ourselves, but look for opportunities to give to bless others on a regular basis. Source out worthy causes for our giving that will change the world in areas where we are passionate in. It could be helping poor Orang Asli children gain a better life by giving them more education, or provide clean water supply for a village in Africa, or help drug addicts redeem lost lives.

Be content with what we have, and give according to how God has blessed us.

Prayer:- Lord, I thank You for all that You give me, especially the food that I eat, the clothes that I wear, and the roof over my head. Help me content in all that you give me, and where you have blessed me with much, help me bless others likewise. In Jesus name, Amen.