Wealth promised for Christians in the OT?

The Lord will give you big harvests and make you successful in everything you do. You will be completely happy, so celebrate this festival in honour of the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 16.13-15)

Reflect: Scripture does not seem to rule out wealth for a Christian. Sometimes, as in the book of Job, it seems that wealth is a sign of God’s blessing. These verses today remind us that wealth should lead us to thanksgiving and worship. Jesus also seemed to be comfortable receiving invitations to eat with wealthy people he always left his hosts with a word of caution about their responsibility to the poor (see for example Luke 7.44).

Source: Worship & Wealth (23 October 2018) – Daily reflection – Bible Society

The writer applies the Old Testament passage directly to the Christian. This is a common mistake, but here it is more blatant than one usually encounters. The promises of the OT to Israel do not directly apply to the church.

What it’s like to be rich

It’s a hard life! Hard for the rich to be saved! Ed. M’s devotional lists three errors of those with “full wallets and empty hearts.” Then he says,

The elite are prone to oppress the poor, Amos 2:6,7. They plot against those who are innocent, who cannot resist their devious schemes, James 5:6. Wealth has always been a cruel master (though few of the wealthy recognize the danger). Everyone should pray for deliverance from the sin of greed. The consequences of self-indulgence are certain. Therefore, take note. Beware! The day of judgment is coming.

Focus question: How well or poorly do you use money? Are you rich toward God? Are you selfish with your possessions?

Because of risks, contentment advised

“People who want to get rich fall into temptation,” I Timothy 6:9. … It is not wrong to be wealthy. The apostle merely insisted that wealth was unnecessary for living a godly life, I Timothy 6:6-8. Because of the risks involved in possessing great treasures, contentment was advised, Proverbs 13:7; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 13:5. No amount of riches can atone for poverty of character. In such cases, one is better off not being better off, I Timothy 6:17-19.” —Ed Mathews, “Plow New Ground”