Rags to Riches
As a boy I loved to read stories of “rags to riches”. The idea of being born as an outcast, or rejected, destitute, facing great adversity, no hope, but breaking through to success, a good life, respect from others, and fulfillment made captivating reading.
I have never followed Donald Trump. That is I have not made it a point to read about him, his life, his path to financial success. Gathering from tidbits of news and legend, my notion was that he had begun with nothing and became one of America’s most wealthy persons. Yesterday, I was told, truth or fiction I do not know, that Donald Trump began his career with a more than substantial monetary gift…not a beginning with rags.
Dale Carnegie was a poor boy whose dad died. Dale quit school about age 12 to work at a steel factory. Given a job out of pity, soon he earned his way to an honest job. In time he owned the factory and many other ventures. Impressive.
I decided to Google. I asked the computer to tell me what stories have been logged onto the internet. Was I surprised that of the great number listed, I found no listing that Jesus Christ is the best, most famous, and most awesome story of rags to riches!
Consider. He was a King! He became poor to save his people. He came as an infant. Was born in a non-royal place. Even if you allow there was fresh straw, the smell of animals was the perfume of the night. His birth clothes were simple: a cloth wrapped around and around him for warmth.
The town was so tiny that folks talked about how nothing great could ever happen there. His earthly parents were non-descript persons in terms of public affairs. Their claim to such an austere moment was their character, not wealth, education, or social connections. They did have the distinctive of being descendents from noble families prophetically destined to greatness. But no one seemed to anticipate Mary’s and Joseph’s specific roles in the expectations of greatness.
The birth of Jesus was recognized by angels and shepherds. Apparently the mayor, town council, persons in the inn, and “important persons” in the community slept, oblivious to events in the attached stable.
Later, wise and rich kings came to bring gifts. For a period of time Jesus’ family had to flee the wrath of the presiding earthly king, who attempted to kill Jesus. Jesus’ family lived in Egypt for some time before returning home. His childhood was spent in a carpentry shop, probably often making furniture for Romans. Carpenters typically made only survival wages.
When Jesus began his ministry, he apparently took no inheritance or funding from his earthly parents. Later his mother and half-brothers thought he was mentally ill. Folks he came to save tried to kill him. The religious folks hated him and plotted murder. The Roman government cooperated. He was crucified.
Terrible things happened to Baby Jesus born in “rags”. But then Resurrection Morning came! The stone rolled away. He came forth from the grave. He was healthy. His enemies were conquered. Death had no power over him. He could eat, shake hands, talk, and yet pass through walls. He could move faster than a bullet or even light.
His voice was gentle. His love was abundant. He forgave his enemies. Yet, he demanded and insisted that his enemies would have to change. Every knee will have to bow in acknowledgment of his sovereignty. Every king and kingdom will be conquered. Upon his Resurrection, the infinite God, Father of All Creation, gave to Jesus a crown of glory, power, infinite power over every living thing in the heavens, in the earth, and under the earth, and gave to him riches: “Everything that was made, was made by him and for him” (ref).
In his rags he had fleeting moments of being recognized as having promise. In his riches he is King of Glory, The Lamb of the Tribe of Judah, having power to heal, save from sin, and raise the dead!
Because of the rags to riches story of Jesus prisons have been reformed with kindness and love, hospitals, schools, and churches have been built, and tens of thousands of organizations have sent millions of volunteers to do Jesus acts of kindness and love and to tell the world of the joy of being a Christian.
The finest moment for this Infant Babe born in an animal stall and raised in a working class neighborhood is yet to come. He is preparing a people to rule and reign with him. His army is not of this world. One of his soldiers is mightier than the power of the earth’s most powerful army. He will come quietly, suddenly, and gather to himself a people who have prepared their hearts for His Kingdom.
He will rule and reign for 1,000 years in resplendent glory! After the thousand years further arrangements will be made. Those who are the faithful and redeemed with spent eternity with their King. No more death, sorrow, pain, sickness, or sin!
Wow! Somebody help me get this message to Google: Jesus is the ultimate rags to riches story! I am glad I know him. He is My King! How about you?
Pastor Bare
Matthew 1:21