Are we still under the hand of God’s blessing in this country, or has something changed?

If we are close to God and serve Him, has He promised to bless us beyond imagination financially and otherwise?

Some great speakers and so-called spiritual leaders of our time think so. They stand at the pulpit and tell an eager world that it’s all about us—all about how God wants to pour His blessings all over us for our benefit.

Jesus preached many things on earth, but health and wealth here on earth as long as we are in His will are not part of them. What is, then? I can tell you for certain that, to God, there are things far more important than how big a home you have, what kind of car you drive, or how much money is in your bank account.

Matthew 28:18 is the first verse in what we refer to as the great commission. Christ is talking to His disciples about what is dear to His heart, and what He expects of them.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus makes it clear from the very beginning of his statement to the disciples that He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. That’s a big claim—a huge credential. Why would He say that?

It was important that the disciples know Jesus had the power to proclaim anything into existence. That being the case, he was giving them the most important instructions He had given thus far.

It wasn’t that He was about to bless them with more wealth than they had ever imagined, or to make them more successful than they could ever have been on their own as a reward for faithful service to the Kingdom.

Instead, Jesus told them that they were to go to distant lands and proclaim His Gospel, baptize those who believed, and teach everyone what God had told them. That was what He expected from His disciples, with the promise that he would be with them always. That’s a little different from the sermon that preaches God wants us to be good people, have faith, and as a result live in wealth and great prosperity.

1 Peter 5:10 even goes so far as to imply that we, as Christians may even suffer for His kingdom and obedience to Him.

And the god of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I have heard from one pastor who preaches prosperity that this verse implies an individual that is living in sin, and is therefore suffering. Then, when that person comes to his senses, God will restore him and make him strong.

In that case, maybe we should look at 1 Peter 4:19,

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

If it is possible to suffer according to God’s will, as scripture says, perhaps there is something more important to God than our prosperity and comfort after all. Reading Matthew 28, it appears that reaching the nations with His Gospel is exactly that.

Could it be that the wealth God has bestowed upon some of us is for a higher calling—a fund entrusted to us to carry His Gospel to every tribe and nation, rather than to spend it on ourselves?

Next: Is God Against Prosperity? I would appreciate hearing your opinion. Please leave a comment below.

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