The jackpot

The jackpot is prize money, drawn from any of the numerous games of chance the world offers. The winner takes it all – all the money in the pot. It could run into millions and could well look like a stream that will never run dry - at least that is what they would like us to believe. Apparently, all that money will fall on the laps of the winner; nothing or very little money is left for the rest of the players.

When you hear people talk of jackpot they are talking about lots of money; so who would not like to take the plunge and win the jackpot? Tempting isn’t it? To think that such a large sum of money could be ours one day can even lighten up our faces, because we know that it could spark the end to all our financial woes. Such a huge sum could be the solution to the host of the problems we encounter. Well not quite, very often it could be the beginning of a long line of troubles.

I have a feeling many have, at one time or the other, had their eyes on jackpot money in the hope of having all their problems – those money can address - solved. Whatever or how long it will take – that solution will be temporary. Such resources may last for a while only; soon it will dry up because of the diverse demands we will make on it.

Jackpot money is not money you and I should rely on or put total trust in because it is unclean money. It is not money we have a right to because it is ‘chance’ money. That keeps God out of the picture. The God we serve is not a God of chance but one of certitude and assurance. He has blessed us with all good things. All that we have or shall ever have, come from him - the Giver of all good things. He gives freely from his unlimited and boundless source. He told Adam: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden…” (Genesis 2:16-17) In other words, you can eat freely, as much as you can. To father Abraham, he assured: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2)

Our jackpot is sure; we do not have to bet on it. God says he has blessed us with heavenly riches through his Son. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Christ, was has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

The Christian is rich but few know how to enjoy these riches given to us by the One who made heaven and earth. Actually, money should come looking for us and not us running after it. Our God is rich and he has provided us an inheritance. We need only walk into it. “And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power will make sure that you get there safely to receive it.” (1 Peter 1:4-5. The Living Bible Paraphrased) How many of us know that we are heirs and co-heirs with Jesus who because of us became poor that we might become rich. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

The jackpot of life known to Christians is that of eternal life, the God kind of life. That is what we must seek and run after. It is endless in nature. Jesus recommended for us to put our treasures in heaven where they will be forever secure. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where rust and moth do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21)

God’s provisions for us are everlasting and are worth much more than the jackpot we have set our eyes on or covet. They are such that money cannot buy. Besides, they are not for sale. Jesus assures us that we need not worry over what we would eat or drink. If that does not constitute a problem for birds, much less it will be for us who are made in his image. (Matthew 6:25-34)

Our Lord Jesus admonishes that we should stop running after ‘the jackpot’ or worldly riches like pagans; that our heavenly father is mindful of our needs. (Matthew 6:32) Every detail has been taken care of. Our Lord Jesus said he will not leave us orphans. He made an open declaration on the cross; “It is finished!” meaning that all he had set out to do on our behalf has been accomplished. There is nothing we can think of that has not been acquired for us by our Lord Jesus.

His jackpot is all-inclusive; nothing has been left to chance. “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-4)

There are no obligations, no strings attached; only believe. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

You and I have already been chosen winners and that has not been left to chance. Leave nothing to chance. Enter into your inheritance! It has been ordained as part of God’s plan and his will for our lives.