Wealth and Power

After listening to a teaching by Dutch Sheets on the spirit of Jezebel I did more reading on the character of Jehu in the Bible. Jehu was the king who overthrew King Ahab’s sons and household as prophesied by Elijah. He also threw down Queen Jezebel and destroyed the prophets of Baal. He was anointed by Elijah and later by Elisha to be king and to accomplish this. What I found out by reading more was that he did not pursue and wipe out the practice of calf worship in the country. The Lord began to speak to me about this. I think most people understand that Baal worship is practiced today with abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia as well as others. He showed me that the calf worship is practiced today in the pursuit of wealth and power. The bull was a symbol of power and wealth in the ancient world, so I don't think that it is a coincidence that the symbol of a strong market on Wall Street is the bull. I am not speaking against wealth and power, because God places those in authority over us and there were many Godly, wealthy men in the Bible, Abraham and Job to name a couple. It is when the pursuit of wealth and power becomes the goal that the idolatry takes place. We are told in Proverbs 21:21 “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God will raise up to positions of power and wealth those individuals who He wants. Just as He chose David, the smallest of the sons of Jesse to be king and Gideon, from the smallest family in the least of the tribes to lead His people, so he calls people today. Too often we look at the outward appearance and “elect-ability” of an individual. We have to ask for discernment and wisdom in choosing who we support. We do not want to be guilty of supporting someone just because they are from one party or another. Some people say, better the devil you know, than the devil you don't. I personally do not want any devil representing me. We also need to continue to pray for those elected. Too many fall victim to the lure of the pursuit of wealth and power once in that position. We need to pray that they keep their focus on the maker and redeemer of all. Writing this actually prompted me to write the previous post. I don't know how often I will write to this blog, but hopefully it will be more rather than less.