But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
Luke 6:24
Christ having told the disciples the blessedness, He also told them the effect of this, is that not how it was in the old Testament? People were told what to do and the effect.
Jesus said, ‘Woe unto those that are rich for they have received their consolation.’
So, for the rich, they console themselves in this earth’s riches, but do riches really give consolation? Maybe for a short time, but the only sure and established consolation is Jesus Christ.
But is it wrong to be rich? No, I don’t see Jesus saying riches is wrong, but rather, putting your hope, your joy, your rest in riches is what is wrong. The rich young ruler settled for his earthly riches, but Joseph of Arimathea, though rich, gave himself to Christ.
Once Jesus said, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (Mt 19:24) The possibility to be lost in one’s riches is there if one is not delighting in Christ. When you make anything or anyone outside Christ your delight, such things or that someone becomes your riches, and you will often take consolation in them. But Jesus said, ‘Woe to those who are rich in this present world’, that is, those whose joy and hope is defined by their riches and not by God.
Many are rich people who die terribly, or become addicted, depressed, or even commit suicide though rich. That means riches do not give joy.
I recall the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man had all he needed, he feasted daily but ignored the wicked, he had his share here on earth but had no consolation in eternity. (Luke 16;19-31)
Nabal was another rich man (1 Samuel 25), he was foolish, and a waster. He had no consolation thereafter. True riches are found in Christ and in Christ alone. He is the Consoler of all who put their hope in Him now.
Are you hoping in Christ or in your earthly riches?