By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“Money is not sinful or evil. The kingdom of God needs it desperately! Making money is what I do best but it must be made for God’s glory and not mine. As a Christian entrepreneur, my company relies on prayer and inward confirmation by the Holy Spirit before making any decision. I believe God is interested in my business if my business is His business.” ~Robert Norman Edmiston, Evangelical British Billionaire
Remember how we defined a Financial Evangelist as someone who dedicates their resources to furthering the gospel? Today, we embark on a journey through scripture, encountering real-life examples of individuals who embodied this powerful principle.
Prepare to be inspired by these remarkable figures who leveraged their financial means to amplify God’s kingdom. We’ll dive deep into their stories, uncovering the motivations, strategies, and impactful outcomes of their financial evangelism. Ready to discover heroes of faith who put their money where their heart was? Let’s begin!
Financial Evangelist 1: King David
David, a true financial evangelist, wholeheartedly invested his resources and himself into the cause of the kingdom. He spared no effort, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to God’s purpose. His dedication was such that he willingly presented the best portion of his possessions to the Almighty.
On that particular day, Gad approached David, relaying the divine command to erect an altar to the Lord upon the threshing floor owned by Araunah the Jebusite. True to Gad’s instructions and in alignment with God’s will, David ascended the hill. As Araunah spotted the approach of the king and his entourage, he came forward, bowing before the king with profound respect. He inquired, “Why has your majesty, the king, come to his servant?” David’s response was clear, “To procure your threshing floor and construct an altar to the Lord, in order to avert the pestilence from the people.”
Araunah’s generous offer included oxen for a burnt offering, along with threshing sledges and yokes for the oxen, even offering the land itself. However, David emphatically refused, declaring, “No, I will purchase them from you at their full value. I will not present to the Lord my God offerings that have cost me nothing.” And so, David acquired the threshing floor and the oxen, paying fifty silver shekels. He then proceeded to erect an altar to the Lord, offering burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. Consequently, the Lord heeded David’s prayers, leading to the cessation of the plague upon Israel.
~2 Samuel 24:18-25
This passage unfolds after David had undertaken a census of Israel, an action that displeased God. In response, a devastating plague afflicted the nation. Following considerable harm caused by the plague, the prophet Gad directed David to construct an altar on Araunah the Jebusite’s threshing floor, a site for making offerings and seeking divine forgiveness. Despite Araunah’s offer to provide the land and materials without cost, David insisted on purchasing them, underscoring his belief that authentic sacrifices demand personal sacrifice. David’s purchase of the land, subsequent altar construction, and offering of sacrifices ultimately led to God’s intervention, halting the plague.
This narrative stands as a poignant reminder of the significance of sincere and sacrificial worship. It underscores the principle that genuine devotion entails personal investment and dedication. Furthermore, David’s monumental contributions to the construction of the temple further exemplify his fervent commitment to God’s dwelling place. He not only directed others to contribute, but also dedicated vast quantities of gold, silver, brass, iron, timber, and stone to the house of the Lord.
His words to Solomon, his successor, encapsulate his dedication,
“Now, in the midst of my difficulties, I have readied for the house of the LORD one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, along with an abundance of brass and iron—weightless. Additionally, I have prepared timber and stone, and you may add to it as needed. Skilled craftsmen, hewers of stone and timber, and artisans of every kind are at your disposal. The gold, silver, brass, and iron are beyond measure. Therefore, rise and act, with the LORD’s presence guiding you.”
(1 Chronicles 22:14-16, KJV).
Financial Evangelist 2: King Solomon
Solomon, deeply influenced by his father King David, embraced the art of giving wholeheartedly. He channeled substantial financial resources into the construction of the temple, distinguishing himself as an exemplary supporter of God’s kingdom in the Old Testament.
Interestingly, Solomon’s generous giving prompted a remarkable encounter with God. He beseeched, “Grant me wisdom and knowledge, that I may govern this great people of Yours.” God’s response was both revealing and profound, acknowledging Solomon’s unselfish heart. God commended Solomon for not seeking material riches, wealth, honor, or the downfall of his enemies. Instead, Solomon’s request for wisdom and knowledge to guide his role as a just ruler over God’s people resonated deeply. In light of this, God granted Solomon not only wisdom and knowledge, but also unparalleled riches, wealth, and honor—unequaled by any previous or subsequent kings.
The narrative further unfolds in I Kings 3: 5 to 7, shedding light on Solomon’s reverence and devotion. He placed the bronze altar crafted by Bezalel, son of Uri, before the Lord’s tabernacle. At this sacred location, Solomon and the assembly sought divine communion. In a profound act of worship, Solomon ascended to the bronze altar and presented a thousand burnt offerings upon it. It was on this transformative night that God materialized before Solomon, extending a momentous invitation: “Ask! What shall I give you?”
Solomon stood as an exemplar of a premier financial evangelist, unhesitatingly dedicating all resources at his disposal to advance the kingdom’s cause. His desire to magnify the splendor of God’s dwelling was evident, as he pursued the beautification of God’s house with unwavering commitment.
Financial Evangelist 3: St. Joseph of Arimathea
According to all four Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was a discreet follower of Jesus, quietly embracing his teachings. In an act of profound reverence, he personally interred Jesus’ body within his own tomb. Notably, Mark 15:43 and Luke 23:50’s reference to him as a “member of the council” suggests his affiliation with the esteemed Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. This virtuous and affluent man, occupying a significant position, demonstrated courage by securing Pontius Pilate’s authorization to retrieve Jesus’ body. Mark 15:43 cites his motivation as eagerly anticipating the arrival of the kingdom of God. Joseph’s intent was twofold: to avert the defilement of Jewish law, which prohibited a crucified body from remaining on the cross overnight, and to grant Jesus an honorable burial.
An intriguing mid-13th-century narrative insertion recounts Joseph’s journey to Glastonbury in England, a place where he is revered as the patron saint. In this account, attributed to St. Philip the Apostle, Joseph led a group of 12 missionaries dispatched to Glastonbury.
Matthew 28:57-61, in the New King James Version, provides a vivid depiction of Joseph’s devoted act. This passage emphasizes Joseph’s meticulous care, as he personally wrapped Jesus’ body in a clean linen cloth and placed it within a newly carved tomb hewn from rock. Subsequently, he sealed the entrance with a sizable stone. Notably, the presence of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary near the tomb underscores the solemnity of the occasion.
The narrative highlights Joseph of Arimathea’s extensive commitment to according Jesus a dignified burial. This serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which believers should be willing to go in propagating the gospel across the globe today. Just as Joseph’s sacrificial actions ensured a fitting farewell for Jesus, modern believers must also exhibit a readiness to invest in spreading the message of Christ to all corners of the world.
Financial Evangelist 4: Mary Magdalene
She stands recognized as a vital benefactor in the early ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her name resonates prominently within Luke 8:1-3:
“As He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”
In this passage, these women undertook the role of supporting Jesus and the Twelve. This indicates their affluence and respectability, portraying a glimpse into the commendable role prosperous women fulfilled during that era. It is plausible that this attribution reflects the influence of prosperous women in later years, harkening back to the time of Jesus.
But who was she? From the New Testament, a portrait emerges of Mary of Magdala, hailing from a village along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, as a prominent figure drawn to Jesus. Amidst the hour of mortal peril, when his male companions faltered, Mary of Magdala remained steadfast by his side, even through the agonies of the Crucifixion. Witness to the tomb and recipient of the initial resurrection appearance of Jesus, she was the first to herald the “Good News” of this miraculous event. These assertions in the Gospels provide some of the limited insights into Mary Magdalene’s role.
Additional writings from the early Christian epoch suggest that in the years following Jesus’ passing, her standing as an “apostle” rivaled even that of Peter. This elevated status sprang from the profound intimacy she shared with Jesus, with some accounts alluding to a physical dimension that included acts of affection. From these early Christian records, spanning the first to the third centuries, the framework was crafted, culminating in a portrayal of St. Mary Magdalene. One critical element that looms large in her legend—that she was a penitent prostitute—seems largely erroneous. This misconception has shaped the dual narrative of her legacy, both as a means of undermining human sexuality and subduing the empowerment of women.
About the authors
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach, and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
