Kingdom Riches ≠ Earthly Riches

 Kingdom Riches ≠ Earthly Riches

By JK Woodall

I’ve had moments in life when money was flowing, and other times when I had to pray over a tank of gas. But one thing I’ve learned—real riches don’t come from the bank, they come from God.

In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells the story of two men. One was wealthy, dressed in purple, and lived in luxury. The other was named Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores, who sat at the rich man’s gate just hoping for crumbs. Now this Lazarus isn’t the same one Jesus raised from the dead in John 11—this is a parable. But his name matters. Lazarus means “God has helped.” And God surely did.

When they both died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man, however, ended up in torment—not because he was rich, but because he ignored those in need.

That story hits home. I’ve met people with little material wealth but overflowing faith, and I’ve seen folks with everything money could buy but nothing eternal to hold on to.

Paul writes, “Tell those who are rich… not to put their trust in wealth, but in God” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV). And James reminds us that those the world calls poor, God calls “rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom” (James 2:5, ESV).

I remind myself daily: I’m a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17), and my treasure is stored in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

Let’s not chase what fades. Let’s live for what lasts.
Because in God’s Kingdom, the richest person is the one who walks closely with Jesus.

— JK Woodall
Senior Pastor, Revival Center
Hesperia, California