by Ariel Driz

Jesus is a big-time investor—no, not in crypto, forex, or stocks, although He owns them all. He doesn’t trade gold, silver, and equities in derivatives or in physical exchanges. He owns all of that too!

He doesn’t buy real estate or build homes and structures and flip them for profit—for all the earth is His! Unlike Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, He doesn’t need to start up high-tech companies that build driverless electric vehicles, go to space for a momentary thrill, or inhabit Mars. He created all that and none of that entices Him

The God who made the universe decided on where He put in the biggest stake.

He invested in people—from the time of Adam and Eve to the time He walked the earth for thirtythree years till now. He poured all that He is and has to us. Why? Because He chose to, not because He must. He loves us because of who He is.

As I reflect on the human “assets” He grew and developed, I was inspired to use this same word as an acrostic to remind me of the Lord’s process in developing, nurturing, and growing people. May we follow His path in this work of “people-investing.”

Acceptance

Jesus welcomed everyone who sought Him out. He embraced both sinner and saint. Everyone has a place in His heart, be it Nicodemus, a teacher of the law who went to Him at night (John 3:1-16); or the adulterous woman about to be stoned to death (John 8:1-11); or the thief who was crucified beside Him (Luke 23:40-42). He accepted everyone regardless of their past with open arms, so they can experience His healing, love, and salvation.

Sought People Out

The Lord went out to seek out the lost of Israel, the prodigal children: Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10); Matthew, the public sinner (Matthew 9:9- 13); simple folk like Andrew and Simon Peter; James and John, the fishermen (Matthew 4:18-22); and the other disciples—for them to follow Him and proclaim the Good News.

Served People

Jesus met the people’s needs wherever He went. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, and mended broken hearts. He came not to be served but to serve.

Equipped

All investments do have returns. In the case of the Lord, He trained and equipped His disciples so the work of spreading the Gospel will continue when He is gone.

Time

At the end of the day, the amount of time spent with people you care for will determine the quality of that relationship. Jesus spent all night in prayer just before He chose His twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12- 16). He knew that the importance of quality time with God is critical. He also spent more time with people who will take the Good News to the ends of the world.

Sacrifice

He didn’t just invest in us. Jesus gave Himself up as the ultimate “capital” for our salvation, choosing to die on the cross to pay for our debts, “becoming sin so that we may have His righteousness” (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we were a corporation, we were more than in financial trouble, worse than being bankrupt or insolvent. But Christ bought us at a price with His own blood. The world today needs leaders who will sacrifice their own personal interests to serve and save their neighbor.

Pouring our lives in people may be frustrating, but it’s the best use of our time. Jesus showed us the ultimate investment blueprint.

*This excerpt is taken from “Feast Magazine March 2022″

Available at www.feastbooks.ph. Also available via Shopee and Lazada.

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