Mark 8:31-38

I am regularly impressed at how frequently Jesus relates to His audience as investors – using the language of business to make His points.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”

I think of Jesus as the E. F. Hutton of spiritual investment advise. Those of us who were around in the 70’s remember this name because it was branded into our consciousness by Madison Avenue. The investment firm’s commercials used scenes with a room full of engaged professionals inadvertently overhearing conversations about investing. When the actor delivered his line; “Well…my broker, E.F. Hutton says that……” a hush ensued. No one dare move and fail to hear what Mr. Hutton had said. Then the narrater interjects the famous line, “When E.F. Hutton speaks people listen.”

Oh that we might be still enough to hear the words of Jesus, the best-ever adviser for long term investing. I actually think Jesus words and questions, like Mr.Hutton’s, were designed to stop us dead in our tracks and arrest our attention.  Jesus asks us,

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world?”

Jesus’ question is rhetorical. The answer is of course that gaining the whole world, as nice of a return as that might be, would still be temporal and would essentially amount to nothing in light of the eternal opportunuty presented in Christ. We will eventually discover that gaining the world would actually be an investment in eternal misery. Jesus goes on to say…..

For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Jesus is advising that even if you owned all the gold in the world and you got in at a $5 an ounce you would not have a sufficient return to ransom your soul. Souls have infinite worth.

Jesus is warning about a day when there is going to be a radical and sudden adjustment in the spiritual marketplace. On that day, the markets will not be open. There will be no buyers for our gold. Another form of currency will be in use.

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with His holy angels.”

The whole point of the incarnation was to come and put things right; to crush the kingdom of darkness; expose its lies which encourage only short term investments which ultimately cost men there souls. That works out to be a perpetual and abundant negative return.

I don’t mean to be trite. Eternity in heaven or Hell is the most sobering of all subjects. Even so, I will leave the fire- breathing sermons and cajoling alter calls to those who think they are called to scare the hell out of people. I believe that fear of hell, in and of itself, is an inadequate motivation to follow Jesus. From O Holy Night…..

 

    “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth”

I suspect that Hell is a real place created for the devil and those who have, in their unbelief, brought condemnation upon themselves. However, I believe Jesus’ life message was anything but condemnation. His incarnation reveals the value and worth God places upon our souls. Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sin said all we need to know about our worth.

Many people have heard Jesus’ words but there are a couple of problems. One is that many would-be investors have not seen the promised return on this investment. Many are aware of the profound impact Christianity had on the culture in the first few centuries. They are even familiar with the transformational claims of the Christian religion. The problem is that these onlookers cannot make the association with this and anything that might resemble the Light of the World shining brightly from any hilltop.  While it is infinitely more, God’s enemy uses the media to insure that would-be investors only see Christianity as a demographic – a narrow thinking faction of the voting block who have taken stands on homosexuality, abortion and limited government. I pray that the Church, through her Christ-like love and good deeds will, hopefully soon, be known for her love and unity even more so than her political advocacy.

The second problem is the apparent high cost of investing long-term with Jesus Christ; i.e.  becoming His follower. If you listen to Him, it is as though He discourages investors. Listen to the pitch from the best long-term investment advisor that has ever lived;

If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s shall save it.”

As an ambassador for Christ which, by the way we all are, whether we have acknowledged that or not, I want to say something about the apparent hard tone to this statement and its apparent impossible nature. This investor-qualification statement was made by the same man who invited children up onto His lap at the same time the disciples were shooing them away. My point? His heart is very, very tender. And, as to it’s level of difficulty, the Christian life truly is impossible. It becomes possible only because Christ Himself lives in us becoming our life. The rediscovery of this great mystery, Christ in us, is the only thing that has or ever will enable us to live as the light of this world. Christ in us truly is THE only hope of glory, which is the ultimate objective of all investments – His glory.

His arms are wide open to those who are hungry; aware or suspicious that their portfolios are unbalanced toward the short-term. All those who have taken Jesus’ advise and placed all their talents into a long-term kingdom account, know that the apparent cost, as impossible as it seems, is inconsequential in light of the abundant return in both this life and the next. (Phil 3:7-9)

Perhaps its time to consider a review of our portfolio. Knowing God and His commitment to us, I suspect there is a kingdom investment advisor somewhere near you. Look for the right one. They will be more than just moral and religious. In fact, if all they have is strong convictions don’t even stop and listen.  The right one will be honest, joyful, humble and free. Hint; Some of the best ones are usually great question askers and listeners. They will also want to tell you about the eternal dividends that the Father has already paid out to them. Blessings to you and may the Lord prosper you body, soul and spirit.

Father, Have mercy on us and this earth that so desperately needs You. May You raise up the prophetic voices that will expose the lies the enemy has sown into our minds and into our culture that encourage our investments into the seemingly unlimited options of short-term-no-profit deals. In Jesus name. Amen.

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