THE EQUALIZER

READING: PROVERBS 13:7-11

Verse 7: “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

It is quite phenomenal, but the gospel is powerful to level people and bring them to a common  ground of equality. It can reduce great differences to nearly nothing. When the gospel is applied to Proverbs 13:7, this truth becomes evident as related to earthly riches. We can first consider the rich  person who has nothing. His name is Ben and he has nothing financially. However, Ben accepts himself as rich because his identity is established by the gospel as his standard and measure of value. His self-perception is based on the gospel, not on the fact that he has no money. Then there is the poor person who has riches. His name is Clark. Although he has financial wealth, that does not constitute his identity. Clark also accepts himself as rich because his identity is established by the gospel as his standard and measure of value. His self perception is based on the gospel, not on the fact that he has financial roches. The worldly standard and measure of value would have Ben and Clark at opposite poles. However, as they meet together in the gospel they have the same identity. In the Old West, six-shooters were called equalizers. Compared to a six-shooter, the gospel is at least a thermonuclear equalizer and more. Phenomenal is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ! That’s a thought - about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would Ben and Clark have to say to each other?

2. What is another way that that the gospel could equalize?