As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Olympic athletes train for years as they strive to be the best, to be #1. Billions will be spent next year by companies that hope to be the best, to be #1.

Now, there is an easier way: Become #1 by writing out a check.

Of course, the check you write has to be a very large one. Saeed Khouri who lives in the United Arab Emirates was prepared to write such a check. It cost him fourteen million dollars to buy the United Arab Emirate license plate with #1 stamped into it.

Khouri, whose family made their money in real estate, was willing to pay that price because, as he says, #1 “is the best number”. Then Khouri added, “I bought it because I wanted to be the best in the world.”

Now, Khouri has the right to spend his millions any way he wants. If I had a few tens of millions of dollars lying around gathering dust, I might do the same. Even so, Khouri needs to be realistic about his purchase.

A license plate that says “1” may be a good number. He may consider it a special number, even the best number. But driving a car which boasts a “1” on it hardly makes him the best in the world. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “tell the rich of this age not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches.”

While I don’t know Saeed Khouri personally, I know someone who is far more worthy of the title “best in the world”. While Khouri’s money is going to a charity that specializes in the rehabilitation of auto-accident victims, the person I’m talking about gave His life to redeem, reclaim, and restore all of humanity.

Jesus Christ, the one-and-only Savior of the world entered this world to fulfill the commandments, which humanity had broken. Having resisted Satan’s every temptation to sin, He willingly laid down His life upon the rough-hewn timbers of a Calvary cross.

His sacrifice, His victorious resurrection from the dead, assures all who believe on Him as their saving substitute that they have forgiveness of sins and life eternal.

Christ’s kind, gracious action makes Jesus the real “best in this world”.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, there are many people who believe they are #1. Grant me the vision to see the unique gift You have given me with the sacrifice of Your life and death. Grant me the faith that trusts You who richly provides me with everything I need. In Your Name. Amen.


NOTICE: Lutheran Church Charities invited me to write a sermon of comfort for the victims of the shooting at Northern Illinois University. That sermon has been posted here: Sermon Your viewing and response is appreciated.

In Him,
Pastor Ken Klaus

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 15-16    Mark 8:22-38

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