GOD REBUKES THOSE WHO BECOME RICH THROUGH PROFITEERING.

 The curse of poverty is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good+Life Devotional: 

28/5/24 

GOD REBUKES THOSE WHO BECOME RICH THROUGH PROFITEERING.

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Mark 10:24 "And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! "

  The word 'Trust' is the Greek word peithō it means to rely on by inward certainty , be assured , believe. These are qualities meant for God only . These persons have allowed money to take God's place in their heart  and the result is a desire to always have more money to through profiteering. 

   Profitering is the practice of making or seeking to make an excessive or unfair profit, especially illegally or in a black market.  Pastors who build schools with donations while church members cannot afford the school fees are guilty of profitering. Such pastors are mentors to profiteerers in the banking sector, power distribution companies , civil service etc. and bring shame to the name of Jesus Christ. 

When a governor inflates a contract value because of selfish interest he is guilty of profitering. Nigeria imports petrol despite being a major producer of crude oil because of profiteerers. This is a major reason behind the poverty in Nigeria.

   In the biblical narrative, God’s disdain for profiteering is vividly illustrated through the story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a Jewish leader in the 5th century BC, was deeply concerned with the well-being of his people who were struggling under economic oppression. In Nehemiah 5, he confronts the nobles and officials who were exploiting their fellow Jews by charging exorbitant interest and seizing their properties and children as collateral for debts. Nehemiah's righteous anger reflects God's heart: “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?” (Nehemiah 5:9, NIV).

Nehemiah’s actions reveal God's desire for justice and compassion over selfish gain. He demanded the cessation of usury and the restoration of property to the impoverished, declaring, “Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them” (Nehemiah 5:11, NIV). This directive emphasizes God’s call for economic fairness and social responsibility.

The Bible consistently warns against profiteering. Proverbs 28:8 states, “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor” (NIV). Nehemiah's example underscores that true godliness involves caring for others and seeking justice, embodying God’s profound opposition to greed and exploitation. Profiteerers are in danger of not entering heaven and their punishment starts from the earth. Read Luke 16:19-31. If your riches make others very poor then you have become a tool in the hands of the devil. 

Prayers : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome poverty. Amen 

+2348035536911, +2348098636911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com