Scripture Reading:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
The Story
History tells us of a King named Ahasuerus (Xerxes) who ruled a massive territory stretching from India to Ethiopia. From his winter capital in Susa—located in modern-day Iran—he governed 127 provinces with absolute authority.
To display his unmatched power, he threw a feast that is hard for us to even imagine. For six months, he hosted the officials, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the governors. He spent 180 days showing off the “greatness and wealth” of his kingdom. As if that weren’t enough, he followed it with a seven-day banquet in the citadel for everyone in the palace town, from the greatest to the least.
The purpose was clear: He wanted to prove his security through his abundance. He wanted to dazzle the world with his luxury.
The Reflection
It is easy to look at Ahasuerus’s six-month party and see the ultimate definition of success. But Scripture often reveals that excessive wealth and living in luxury can be a trap—a glittering illusion.
Ahasuerus felt secure because of his 127 provinces and his vast armies. He defined his worth by what he possessed and who served him. But earthly kingdoms, no matter how wealthy, are fragile.
We may not rule over Persia, but we often build our own little empires. We can easily fall into the trap of putting our work, our earnings, and our social standing before the living God. We convince ourselves that if we just work harder, earn more, or display more success, we will finally be safe.
The Application
The trap of luxury is that it promises us the protection that only God can provide.
Jesus offers a different path in Matthew 6:33. He invites us to stop striving to build our own temporary kingdoms and instead seek His eternal one. When we prioritize God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, we trade the stress of maintaining an illusion for the peace of God’s provision.
God is not against us having resources, but He is against resources having us. Today, let us remember that our protection does not come from a bank account or a job title, but from the King of Kings.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I have put my work and my earnings before You. It is so easy to trust in what I can see and touch, rather than trusting in Your unseen hand. Help me to see through the illusion of earthly wealth. Teach me to seek Your Kingdom first, trusting that You are my Protector and my Provider. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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