Possessing Possessions?

It takes a knack from glory to see through the fog of life’s circumstances to find the right, right and the wrong, wrong!  It seems obvious that the very nature of possessions is that you possess them! Or, is it?  Obadiah, with these words, penetrates to the marrow of absolute truth.  He constructs a highway into the very heart of certainty!  And, what is this certainty? This wonderful saying exposes the simple reality that many do not possess their possessions.  Their possessions or lack thereof possess them.

Wealth is a matter of perception and possession.

The story is told of Sam and Ed, who wanted to be wealthy. The wolves were laying waste to the farmers' sheep.  So the farmers' association raised a reward on them to a hundred dollars a pelt.  Two huntsmen, Sam and Ed, eagerly took up the challenge.  In excitement they gathered gear and readied themselves for the wide open spaces to shoot some wolves and make themselves rich.  At the day’s end they rested and slept under the stars of a crystal clear night.  In their stupor time a hundred wolves encircled their encampment just outside the camp fire.  Suddenly a noise woke Ed.  By the light of the campfire he saw the eyes of a hundred wolves -- teeth gleaming.  He shook his friend and whispered hoarsely, "Sam!  Sam!  Wake up!  We're rich!"

The story of our text is that it was the saddest and the gladdest of days.  The sadness is that the rightful God-given possessions of Israel are being overrun by the confederacy of Edom.  The Edomites are hated because of their desire to cut off Israel.  It is always cheerless when our possessions possess us! This is true whether they are taken from us (as Edom), or whether they are still in our bank accounts.

On the other hand, the God of Israel steps in and promises deliverance and a return of holiness to the nation.  The gladness of the days is the return of possessions to Israel!  The prophecy is that Israel will possess her possessions!

Do you possess your possessions?  Do you own your wealth, or does your wealth own you?  It is possible for money to be your master rather than your servant!  As a pastor, I have seen many folks, some with money, some without, but they are equally sad because they are controlled by their wealth or lack thereof!

Many folks are in want today, and there is a great difference between wealth and want.  The gulf between the two is clouded by the confusion of what both are.  Anyone who is owned by what they do or do not have is in want!  Real wealth lies within a man/woman!

(Psalms 23:1 KJV Bible ) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

(Psalms 23:2 KJV Bible)  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

(Psalms 23:5 KJV Bible)  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

How could the lowly sheep ever be considered wealthy?  The Psalmist answers, “Because I have the Good Shepherd!”  On the other hand, when things possess me, I am in sheer want!  There is no pasture green enough to keep me from worrying that a time of drought will leave me in famine.  There is no trove so plentiful that I can fully enjoy its bounty in a time when my enemy is near to steal my possessions!

Wealth is impossible to measure with uniform standards.  What some consider as rich, others deem average or poor.  It is like a beauty a mother sees in her child.  Do you see yourself as wealthy?  By many people’s standards, I have always been poor.  However, by my judgment I am rich!  How do I make that reckoning?  I have the shepherd, and I do not live in want.

(John 16:15 NIV Bible)  All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

How do I possess my possessions?  The short and simple answer is that we must first own ourselves before we can own wealth!  Let me briefly explain what I mean.  First, if you are truly at rest with yourself, the whole world around you can rest!  Next, if you are truly filled with the Spirit of Christ, then you’re at comfort wherever the Father of creation is!  Continuing, if you truly have Christ as Shepherd, you can truthfully say, “All is mine, because I am His!”

I have ownership in every facet of my life, my world, and even my death!  This claim may seem preposterous, and there are times I loose hold of this truth, but it is certain.  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want! What a joy to possess your possessions!  A heart full of joy makes all things joyful.