The rich wail Week 44, 2014

His car appeared so plain amidst the parked cars even though he was the awaited expert. A senior surgeon had recommended him to the patient and he was invited to a high-brow facility in a posh part of Enugu to see this well connected patient. He looked forward to the task and getting paid. Indeed a call came through from his wife who wanted to buy some bread, and he put the request on “Keep in view” reasoning that the consult would rake in money to get plenty more bread.

The first signs of disquiet came when he observed the medical team around his would-be patient. They were his teachers in the medical school, professors of no mean repute. When the patient was raising the voice against them and they remained mute it occurred to him he was expendable, indeed he told himself “You are the most expendable person in this group.” The patient had a need for Plastic Surgery alright, but also had in association an unusual blood condition which necessitated correction before any planned intervention and though it was explained the patient was in a hurry and demanded an accelerated intervention. Showing the handset with personal telephone numbers of prominent politicians insisted “I don’t have time; can’t you see!” Even his teachers there present who should have supported him joined to urge unprofessional practice. That he wouldn’t take. Rich patients can buy the services of the Professors of medicine; you can’t buy health.  He left without demanding any fee. A brother of humble means should rejoice in his having been exalted, and a rich person in his having been humbled, because he will fade away like a wild flower. For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass. The flower in it drops off, and its beauty is gone. That is how the rich person will fade away in his pursuits. Jas 1:9-11(ISV) 

The high profile tpatient was obviously wealthy. Opulence glared at you there. He saw gold bars men! When she dropped one and he exclaimed her response amazed him. She opened the window through where armed security aides could be seen moving about. “I was happier when I did not have money.” She said, and then burst into tears. He said to her “You need Jesus”. Amazingly she had very weighty ministers on her case, yet did not know the Lord. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself or waste your life? Lk 9:25(ERV)  When he got home that day he said to his wife “The rich do not just cry; they wail” So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes. People who want to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and traps. They are caught by foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them1Tim 6:8-9(CEV). Are we then saying wealth is bad? We say rather seek after God not material wealth. Tell those who are rich in this age not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, let them place their confidence in God, who lavishly provides us with everything for our enjoyment1Tm 6:17