The Oil of Joy

November 5

How does God evidence His approval of those who please Him? Shall we look for them in the upper echelons of power? Will they be living in fine mansions? Are their stock portfolios accruing them incalculable wealth? Perhaps. Some of God’s choicest servants are among the political and business elite.

A prime example of that might be John D. Rockefeller, a devoted Christian man, who was at one time the wealthiest man in the world. He founded Standard Oil and became so successful that he was able to spend much of his long life in philanthropical pursuits.

But possessing the wealth of a Rockefeller is not the primary evidence of God’s favor upon a man’s life. To discover what is indicative of God’s satisfaction with ones life we may read Hebrews 1:9 which says, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

God does not esteem great wealth to be evidence of His abiding presence, of His lavish blessing upon a life. The Almighty does not consider political power to be a worthy gift to bestow upon His people. He knows that true wealth is eternal and that no earthly power begins to approximate the unfathomable might HE wields in His little finger. No, His great reward to the man who walks righteously is that he walks in joy.