Tag: debt

Today in the One Year Bible, we read these passages: Exodus 8-9; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalms 24; Proverbs 6:1-5.

Our promises that bind us

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses. – Exodus 9:34-35

We, like Pharaoh, often make cry out to God when we are in distress. We make promises and take vows only to break them when the crisis is over—making a promise to God, though is binding. Making a promise to others is just as binding. We should be people known for keeping our word.

Our wealth that binds us

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. – Matthew 19:16-24

The rich, young ruler wanted to serve God. He obeyed the commandments and came to Jesus seeking eternal life. But the young ruler had great wealth, and Jesus offered him the same thing he offered his disciples. “Come and follow me!” Only, he told him first to sell all he had and give it to the poor. And what is one of the saddest verses in the Bible was the verse about this young ruler’s response. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” His identity was in the things he had accumulated. Is ours? Would we be willing to not only stop accumulating wealth but to give it all away to have eternal life? Jesus offers us the same thing He offered this young man. “Come and follow me…”

Our dirty hands and heart bind us

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. – Psalms 24:3-5

If you want to enter into the holy places of God, you must have clean hands and a pure heart. You must live in holiness. Sin of any kind cannot and will not stand in His holy place!

Our debt binds us

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. – Proverbs 6:1,5

This proverb speaks of debt. Debt, even incurred while helping another, can lead to problems. We shouldn’t  live beyond our means. If we find though that we have  overextended, it’s time as this proverb teaches us, to get it taken care of. Get to work and settle your debts because it binds your to other people o institution in ways that make your more vulnerable to corruption.

This passage isn’t just a warning for the poor with debt. Very wealthy people who accumulate huge debt are even more vulnerable to corruption. They can do harm to themselves, their families, and other people because their creditors have so much power over them and can pressure them into compromise. Debt, no matter how innocently or wickedly incurred, can bind us to the world systems and the enemy while drawing us farther and farther away from God.

Thank You, Lord, for yYour Word, Your warnings, Your wisdom, and Your teaching on some of those things that can bind us. Our promises, our wealth, our sin, and our debt. Help us to take and heed Your Words and what You have revealed today that we may be free. Thank You that You have told the devil to “Let Your people go!” and that we can live in that freedom if we do not turn and bind ourselves again to the enemy. Lord, help us to be bound only to You!!! Thank You for Your blood and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, that we may have eternal life and live victoriously through Him. I love You, Jesus. Reveal to us, Holy Ghost, any other areas in our lives and our hearts that are still bound to this world. In Jesus holy Name I pray. Amen! Amen!