Musing – Four people groups who will be scarce in Heaven!

Hebraic Musing – Four people groups who will be scarce in Heaven!

Which people will be scarce in Heaven?  A – The Rich, the Wise, the Mighty and the Noble; otherwise called plutocrats, intelligentsia, VIPs and bluebloods.

Why?   Jesus said so -- "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."   Matt 19:23-24 NIV     And Paul challenged the wise, the VIPs and the noblemen in 1 Cor. 1:26-29.  “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”

Why is our educational system focused on encouraging the future generations to be rich, wise, strong and Ivy Leaguers?  Are those Godly traits to focus on if one is seeking Godly righteousness?

Anyone involved in Evangelism knows that the prospects most open to the Gospel are the “down and outers”.  And the most challenging place to evangelize is on college campuses and board rooms.  Jesus faced classic opposition with the “Rich Young Ruler” who felt smugly justified.  Jesus had to tell him "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:22   Apparently, the “Rich Young Ruler” did not want to care for the needy as Torah Law commanded in Deut.15:10-11 – “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”

Do rich, wise, noble VIPs have difficulty giving up their status symbols in order to be humble?  But there is hope for them if they partake of Paul’s advice to Timothy – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Tim 6:17-19 NIV 

When Jesus told Peter and other disciples how and where to fish they complied, and “they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”  Peter ran to Jesus, but the other disciples “signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them,…” Luke 5:6-7   Notice that the other disciples were more interested in fish (and catching them) than they were in Jesus, even after witnessing a miracle!  Is there a lesson here?  Were they stuck in their rut?     

Points to ponder

Are we more rich than some of the folks around us?

What net are we hanging onto?
What trait or position or possession are you holding onto
that prevents full submission to the LORD of your life?

What education or study do we pursue?  Where is our heart?

♫  Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, And he will lift you up, Higher and higher…♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 21, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Inspired by Vance Havner’s “Not Peace But a Sword” p.138  (Excellent book!)