Article of Faith: Choice of abundant life (2), By Femi Aribisala

Moses chose the abundant life of Christ. The writer of Hebrews says:

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

When God asked Moses to lead Israel to the Promised Land, Moses also offered Israel the abundant life of Jesus. He said:

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19:20).

However, Israel chose death because death included the devil’s abundant life.

The abundant life of Christ implied sometimes going without food and water. For them, it meant having manna, instead of natural food every day. But they rejected this. They wanted the abundant life of Egypt:

“They were not deprived of their craving; but while their food was still in their mouths, the wrath of God came against them, and slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of Israel. (Psalm 78:30-31).”

Paul understood this. He says:

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13).

But the Israelites would have none of this. They murmured and grumbled and grieved the Holy Spirit.

To receive the abundant life that Jesus offers, we have to relinquish the life we have. Jesus says:

“Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-27).

But the devil holds a contrary position. He insists that men will never willingly give up the deceitful and vainglorious, abundant life that he gives, as the ruler of this world. He tells God that, instead:

“Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.” (Job 2:4).

A rich young ruler confirms the devil’s prognosis. When he comes to Jesus, asking for eternal life, Jesus says to him:

“One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21).

The man went away sorrowful because he had many resources and was loath to give them up.

What was lacking in this rich man?

He lacked poverty, a critical ingredient in Jesus’ kingdom.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24).

“She who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.” (1 Timothy 5:6).

Jesus’ salvation is peculiar. It is not what men presume it to be. When Jesus met a man who had been sick for 38 years, He asked him if he would like to be made whole. I thought this was strange. Why would Jesus ask a man sick for 38 years if he would like to be healed?

The Lord said to me. “I asked him because sickness was his life. He does not know what it means to be healed. To save him, I have to deliver him from the life he knows, which is a life of sickness.”

Jesus does not merely save from death. First and foremost, He saves from life. Therefore, He kills before He makes alive. This is His word of promise:

“I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal.” (Deuteronomy 32:39).

Prosperity Gospel to the Rescue

But our pastors have the answer to this divine conundrum. They present Jesus’ abundant life as the same as the devil’s abundant life. They call this “The Prosperity Gospel.” Their churches become casinos where people come to double their money. You give them your money, and they claim Jesus will give a hundredfold return.

They even twist the word of Jesus. He says:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

They change it to “Every other thing will be added to you.” This is false! Jesus only promises to add food and clothing. Paul says:

“Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8).

The abundant life of men includes sickness. The abundant life of Jesus heals sicknesses. The abundant life of men is temporal. Jesus’ abundant life is eternal. The abundant life of men ends in death. The abundant life of Christ ends in eternal life. The abundant life of men is rich in worthlessness. The abundant life of Christ is rich in excellent things. The abundant life of men is poor towards God. The abundant life of Christ is rich towards God.

In Jesus’ kingdom, the poor are poor in money but can easily be rich in faith. James says:

“Listen, my beloved brethren: has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5).

But it is difficult for those rich in money to be rich in faith. If you have money, you do not need faith. You do not need to rely on God for anything because, as far as you are concerned:

“Money answers everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19).

So, the rich man has riches, but the poor man has faith. When you ask a rich man for anything, all he can give you is money. But when you ask the poor, Christ is his portion and possession.

A beggar at the Beautiful Gate asked Peter for money. It was not as if Peter had no money in his pocket. But he does not count money as his possession. The person with Christ’s abundant life is not abundant in money. He is abundant in God.

“You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Psalm 142:5).

“‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul.” (Lamentation 3:24).

“The Lord said to Aaron: ‘You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.’” (Numbers 18:20).

Therefore, Peter did not give the beggar any money. Instead, he gives him Jesus Christ, his portion. He says:

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them — walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-8).

That is the abundant life. The rich can only give money. But the poor can give life in the name of Jesus. He can give compassion, mercy, goodness, all the righteous things that are in short supply in this world.