Riches That Last

Los Angeles Angels Photo Day“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 

What does it mean to be rich? When Stan Musial signed his 17th contract in 1958, he became the first National Leaguer to make $100,000. He was rich. In 1975, Catfish Hunter signed as a free agent for five years with the Yankees, making more than $3 million. He was richer. In 2012, Albert Pujols signed a 10-year deal with the L.A. Angels for more than $250 million. He is very rich.

There is a permanent way to become “rich.” When a person acknowledges he is a sinner and trusts in Jesus as his Sin-Bearer, he becomes rich in at least three ways. He becomes rich in grace. Ephesians 1:7 says he has redemption and forgiveness “according to the riches of His grace.” How do you put a price tag on that?  Second, He becomes rich in friends. Psalms 119:63 says, “I am a companion of all who fear You…” Christians have a blood-bought bond with other Christians. They are friends forever.Third, he becomes rich in blessings. Proverbs 10:22 says, “the blessings of the LORD makes one rich…”

Do you want to be rich? If you choose Jesus as your Savior, He may (or may not) bless you with possessions, goods and property. He may (or may not) bless you with wealth, dollars and cents.

But he will definitely bless you with eternal life and a new identity as He welcomes you into His purposes, which is priceless.

By Stanley Tucker

Stanley Tucker writes devotionals for Sports Spectrum magazine. This devotional is taken from our most recent Training Table. Log in here to access our most recent Training Table. Subscribe here to receive 12 issues a year and a daily sports-related devotional.