For decades, there has been a Prosperity Gospel; a “Name it, claim it” gospel. In my opinion, this movement is for prideful people. It’s about people who may have come to the Lord but obviously haven’t died to themselves. It’s comprised of individuals who can’t let go of their Ferraris, Lamborghinis, jewelry, etc. They remain attached to everything they were to let go of.
For decades, I was a cyclist. I preferred biking over anything else. Back in 1979, I rode 5,000 miles on bike but only 1000 on my motorcycle. My current vehicle is 23 years old. Would I promote “Come, join the Prosperity Gospel and claim the latest Muscle car” when I myself don’t care for them? I remember having a hard time spending $30 bucks on good shoes back in the late 80s in NY. and one day, a somewhat pompous young lady at church hit the ceiling because something spilled on her $100 shoes. Back then, I had never heard of hundred-dollar shoes! They looked like the $25 ones my wife wore!
I, for one, am not at all interested in any type of jewelry. Didn’t even want to wear a wedding band. Would I go nuts over gold, precious stones, etc.? Nope. I like stones as far as veining goes for countertops or for artwork, but it’s not the same.
When Jesus walked the earth, I’m sure there were some who thought He lived in luxury. They probably expected to see his floors overlayed in gold and find his sofas buried under gold coins. Instead, He told one person, “Come see where I live…” The religious leaders of the day probably felt the same way. If He were the Son of God, why didn’t He dress the part?
Satan uses what we offer him. If we expect riches and treasure troves, he’ll tempt us with that. That’s what’s likely to occur when the antichrist surfaces; he’ll probably emerge with chains down his neck, name-brand clothing, 2 billion followers, expense accounts, and with chauffeurs in luxury vehicles.
Like Jesus, he might feed the 5000, except he’ll probably get them wagyu or rib-eye steaks. No doubt, he’ll deceive everyone by giving them what they expect. Like the “King” that he is (NOT), he’ll flaunt his wealth. He’ll heal the sick, and as scripture points out, he’ll be promoted by the False Prophet so that “He’ll do great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” (Revelation 13:13). Of course, he’ll be empowered by Satan.
Jesus has called us to walk pleased with the things we have (Hebrews 13:5) and not be tied down by the weight of sin (Hebrews 12:1). He can make us rich, but it’s for His glory and for His kingdom, and it shouldn’t possess us. Prosperity comes in being rich in Christ; if you have the Son, you’re rich. Besides, if you have all the world’s riches now, what’s there to look forward to in heaven? What ‘ya gonna say? “Man, my old one was ten times better than this…” Better to be surprised by whatever God gives us, since He never disappoints.
God Bless!
Sam