Psalm 73

Today I attended a funeral.

Unlike funerals in the past where it has been those of elderly grand aunts or grandparents, this was the funeral of a classmate. He was one of my close friends from my youth.

He had everything going for him. He was an extraordinary businessman and financial consultant. Just 4 months ago, he told me he had $12 million in assets. He showed me his bankbook which was filled with 6 figure entries. He drove me to an expensive restaurant at Clarke quay in an expensive Lamborghini which had an ICE system that rivaled GV cinemas. We ate a 5 course meal which cost close to $5000 (almost my entire month’s salary) that included a bottle of 40 year old scotch whiskey. Yes, he was drunk by the end of the dinner so I had to drive him home. First time in my life I drove a Lamborghini. I was terrified of scratching the car.

He offered me a job in his company as Managing Director and dangled a 5 figure salary in front of me.

He seemed to have everything and I have to confess, there was a time when I was almost envious of him and his successes. Outwardly, he was the picture of wealth, success and happiness.

But inwardly, he was a mess. He confessed to me that he could not trust anyone in his company and was suspicious all the time of people whom he thought were out to cheat him of his wealth. He had a foul temper as a result and the turnover rate of his company was extremely high. He was deeply frightened of illness and even more frightened of death. He was an alcoholic and he confessed to me that he had taken drugs to escape his fears and stress.

Here was a man who had nothing to live for except money.

So in June, I agreed to work for him in a London based job but only as a temporary arrangement. I travelled with him to London and managed his conference for him. But in the evenings, I listened to his problems and counseled him the best I could. And introduced him to Jesus. I told him that Jesus taught that the best way to avoid being controlled by money, was to give it up. That living just to accumulate wealth was a futile adventure. I reminded him of his passion for helping the elderly when he was in school and that he spent his happiest moments in school doing community service (I suppose its called CIP now).

He agreed with me, but could not let go of his wealth. Living for money was his only way to live and he could not let go of his lifestyle. He was trapped.

Three days ago, he overdosed on heroin and died in a hospital in Amsterdam. His funeral was attended by 6 people, his parents, grandmother, and two sisters. And me. I had to deliver his eulogy as I was the only one there who knew him. He was estranged from his parents for 12 years.

Today, I am no longer envious of him, but hugely saddened. Many people in the world seem to have it all. But it is so often the case, that it is only a façade. Inside, they are vulnerable, fearful and insecure. Money is the only thing they know. And they are perpetually fearful of losing it.

In a life without Jesus, without meaning, without direction, even the most successful and wealthiest will slip into a final destiny that leads to ruin.

PSALM 73:

{1} Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. {2} But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. {3} For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. {4} They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. {5} They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. {6} Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. {7} From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. {8} They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. {9} Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. {10} Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. {11} They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" {12} This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth. {13} Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. {14} All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. {15} If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

{16} When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me {17} till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. {18} Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. {19} How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! {20} As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. {21} When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, {22} I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. {23} Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. {24} You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. {25} Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. {26} My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. {27} Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. {28} But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.