Some years ago a party of hikers, traveling in a wilderness area, discovered the skeleton of a man—apparently a miner. One arm of the skeleton was thrown over a great piece of metal that looked like gold. It was not gold, but iron pyrite, a metal that strongly resembles gold and has proved a bitter disappointment to many a miner. Because of its deceptive appearance, the term “Fool’s Gold” is applied to it.
Upon a scrap of paper was scrawled two words, “Died rich.” Oh, the pathos—the irony—yes, the tragedy involved in that brief message: “Died rich.”
It was apparent that the man had been deceived, and thought he was in possession of considerable wealth. In reality his discovery was worth almost nothing. But would it have changed his case very much if it had been genuine gold? That which represents value in this world is worth nothing in that region beyond the grave.
Yet there are many, many people who give no thought to this and can see nothing beyond that which is of earth. Men and women all around us are striving and straining for some absorbing object. With some it is money, while others are lured on by fame or pleasure or power. The soul’s need is lost sight of. But life is brief and uncertain, and one who seeks only the earthly treasure often quits this life when the goal seems almost within reach.
What could exceed the poverty and desolation of one who died without Christ? Instead of being a comfort when death is near, possessions and attainments—that for which the soul has been bartered—are only as Fool’s Gold. In that hour it seems a mockery, a counterfeit and worthless.
How then can one be rich toward God? There is a verse that gives us the clue: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). The Lord Jesus came from the heights of glory to this world and went down even to the death of the cross, that poor sinners like you and me might be enriched.
This wonderful Saviour was not content to dwell in the glory alone. His great heart of love went out to a lost and fallen humanity. He wanted companions with whom He might share the light and joy of the Father’s house. The cross was the only solution. Only by suffering and dying on the cross could He redeem our lost souls and raise us up to share with Him the blessings and riches that were His by right as the Son of the Father.
Since this great work of redemption was accomplished, all who receive Him with an honest and believing heart are made His fellow-heirs and are henceforth and forever identified with Him. The work of God is always complete and perfect and worthy of Himself. “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory” (1 Samuel 2:8).
It is by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Christ that one may obtain the enduring riches. You are free to choose now, but who can say how long the choice may be open to you?
Let your choice be Christ. Choose Him and your soul will be made glad both now and through eternal ages.