Unrighteous Mammon

Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. (Exodus 12:35-36 NKJV)

"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon [wealth], that when you fail [cease], they may receive you into an everlasting home." (Luke 16:9 NKJV)

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (Romans 14:14 NKJV)

The Israelites not only escaped slavery, but were made wealthy as they left Egypt behind. Some of the heavy articles of gold were fashioned into an idol. Its destiny was to be ground into dust by Moses and given to the people to drink with water that it might be never again serve such purpose.

Other gold articles were set aside for the Lord's tabernacle. They not only became items of worship for the Holy Place, but became the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies.

We do not escape bondage empty-handed. What we carry over from our previous life can burden us as baggage, lure us into temptation, or be spent upon the kingdom. Even unrighteous mammon is useful to God by the pure of heart who seek His glory.

Heavenly Father, Your incredible holiness is goodness in the extreme, utterly incorruptible. Thank You for cleansing us of the sin that degrades us. Please purify us so wholly that even that which once defiled us can now be set apart to You and serve Your purposes.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy