Today’s Scripture reading completely blew me away …

‘. . . everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him because power came out of him that cured them all. Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: ‘How happy are you who are poor: the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry now: you shall have your fill. Blessed are you who are weeping now: you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, look!—your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets. But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now. Alas for you who have plenty to eat now: you shall go hungry. Alas for you who are laughing now: you shall mourn and weep. Alas for you when everyone speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’        Luke 6:19–26

I was moved deeply to pray for all those Christians in our churches who have been sold a lie, that the pursuit of material prosperity is a Godly goal. If we believe Jesus’ words to be true, then what are we to do with prosperity doctrine when it flies so contrarily in the face of Christ’s own words?

How much more plain must Jesus be, that we finally get it?  "How happy are you who are poor: the kingdom of God is yours."  "But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now."

Why would you want your consolation now, when your coming reward is intended to be so great?

If we profess to follow Christ, if we profess to believe His word, and yet live lives contrary to His plain and simple language .. what are we to do?

Editor:  Be sure to read the comments on this to see it unpacked further.