Ever thought of a world where there was no concept of money? Where the means to access needs was not money? I speak of need not desire! Such was God’s original construct of the world (Genesis 1), before the great transgression in Genesis 3. Let us set the context.

Mammon is the deification of the accumulation of wealth. Wealth is measured, at least in modern times, in the quantum of monetary worth. Bondage is triggered when one’s life becomes a quest to accumulate more wealth and property until it becomes a religious practice supplanting all other things, and wealth becomes an object of worship. This is why Jesus put mammon and God in stark opposition to each other. For Jesus, to serve mammon is to replace God with something else. Moreover, the pursuit of wealth displaces one’s obligation to love their neighbour. One becomes greedy and exploitative, seeking opportunities for gain. One becomes obsessive about protecting one’s property and possessions or guarding future interests in accumulating more.

Our senses have been locked on money as the only means of getting what satisfies deep heart needs, the deep thirst and gripping hunger of the inner man; but alas it is not! Money is useless when it comes to that. Only God can provide what is needed to do that. There is the special food that can fill the hunger of the soul, such is not procured with money; this special food is not procured with money; the food that money can buy gets spoilt and perishes, but the life of Christ, the bread of life doesn’t!

This is the essence of Isaiah 55:1-3! The Lord says,

Come, everyone who is thirsty here is water! Come, you that have no money buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk, it will cost you nothing! Why spend money on what does not satisfy? Why spend your wages and still be hungry? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all. “Listen now, my people, and come to me; come to me, and you will have life! I will make a lasting covenant with you and give you the blessings I promised to David. Isaiah 55:1-3 GNT

Oh, that we will know this limitation that Satan, culture and tradition have trapped humanity into and understand the contention our hearts face just as it was in the days of the Lord (John 6:31-37). A video clip on social media on the health care expenditure of former President Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the USA, is a testament to Psalm 49:6-9.

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) that he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. Psalm 49:6-9

Isaiah 55:1-3 is explained in John 6:47-51, that Jesus Christ is the bread of life that you do not use money to buy, and you eat of Him until your hunger is satisfied (Matthew 11:28).

The Lord is drawing our attention to the spiritual emptiness that results from a life detached from God’s ways even when physical needs are met — the unfulfilled desire and futility of worldly pursuits. (Ecclesiastes 6:7; Haggai 1:6). Don’t abandon the spiritual vitality and the attendant mental stability that puts your labours and getting in proper perspective, that spiritual vitality is rooted in Christ. He in you is the hope of true glory. Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele