More Than the Money

It's November. The U.S. election is over. So it's safe for poker's biggest final table to gather in Las Vegas - the "November Nine" of the World Series of Poker Main Event.

You can read about the entries on the WSOP website.  We were struck by how the contenders plan to spend their winnings, which at worst will be about $730,000.

"It's going to be for travel and partying," one finalist said.

"Try to divide some to people close that need it and stuff like that," another said.

At least the second player is thinking outside himself, considering needs of other people.  But how many poker players would be willing to follow this famous advice?

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me." - Matthew 19:21

Jesus Christ gave this advice to what many Bible headings call a "rich young ruler."  That ruler found that suggestion to be a personally tough one - an "all-in moment" that could change his life.

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:22-23

Why is it hard?  Because many people turn money into a god.  They become so consumed with making more that they forget something - they can't put the cash in a plastic bag and spend it beyond the grave.

No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. - Matthew 6:24

Jesus calls for a choice - and eventually God will call for "the clock."  We're all destined to die, unless Jesus comes back right away.  The Lord gives more advice about the right decision to make:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33

A reward is promised to those who stay faithful to God and Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:27).  It starts with eternal life - and then potentially much more.  Will it be riches?  Cities? Planets? We're left to speculate about that. But that reward certainly will be better than a $10 million payday - because it will last for eternity.

Water Works II

Let's go back to a recent online poker game, where Jesus and "the river" came together in conversation.  We found ourselves simply tagging along, as others dominated the discussion....

CoolMedic:  PTL
Me:  Of course.
Studmaster8:  I love him too but
Dealer:  PokerGodx wins Main Pot ($1465) with One pair, sevens
Studmaster8:  this aint the proper
Studmaster8:  forum

There are some people who think the only proper forum for discussing religious matters is in a house of worship, such as a church building.  But that's not how the first-century church looked at it....

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distresses to see that the city was dull of idols.  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. - Acts 17:16-17

You might say Paul was a "street preacher".  But open talk about the Christian walk is not for ministers only:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24

It's part of the commission Jesus gave....

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." - Mark 16:15

The poker chat moves on:

Studmaster8:  ice cool
CoolMedic:  lol
Studmaster8:  better than being
Studmaster8:  luke war
Studmaster8:  m

That's a Biblical reference as well, aimed at church members by Jesus....

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm - neither cold nor hot - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:15-16

Some poker games have "straddles," but Jesus doesn't want that in His children.  Either live an "all in" Christian walk or don't:

No servant can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money. - Luke 16:13

As best we recall, we won a pot at that point by going all-in with King-high and making a pair.  That inspired more Christ-centered thinking and chatting....

Studmaster8:  That K came from
Studmaster8:  the river of living
Studmaster8:  waters
CoolMedic:  I hear theres a King there too
Studmaster8:  KofK

Jesus refers to this "river" in John 7, but its fulfillment will come at the end of the Biblical story:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.  On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree are for the hearing of the nations. - Revelation 22:1-2

This is a vision of the "New Jerusalem" which will come down from heaven (Revelation 21:2), after Jesus returns to rule this present world for 1,000 years.  It's a city where God's people "will reign for ever and ever" (22:5).  We don't know for sure if poker will be played there -- but doesn't the offer of eternal life make you interested in drawing close to "the King of Kings" now?

Master's Cards

Some poker players act like real know-it-alls -- perhaps to play "psych jobs" with their opponents. Take this player we met online recently....

Dealer: Ippy wins Main Pot ($10250) with Full house, aces full of sixes
Me: very good
Ippy: I am the true master
Me: Sorry. Jesus is my Master.
Brock777: Amen to that

"Master" is a title which can apply to everything from an overseer of funds to a golfing champion. Writing in another era, the apostle Paul noted some of the different meanings.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. -- Colossians 4:1

That "Master in heaven" refers to God. A true One, as opposed to some poker player we've never met.

Jesus Christ eventually will judge the decisions and actions of all earthly masters -- whether you're a parent, an office supervisor or even a poker coach. That judgement will be based on more than simply taking a title. It will be based on how that authority is used.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.... And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them.... -- Ephesians 6:5, 9

Don't talk a high-and-mighty talk. Walk a servant's walk. You'll probably gain more respect that way.

The Comeback Son

We mentioned recently that a woman declared us "the comeback master," because of how we rallied from a small stack to a top-five finish at a local tournament. We took it as a compliment -- but we could have challenged it for a couple of reasons.

1. I am NOT a master. I merely serve one....

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. -- Matthew 23:8, KJV

The word "Rabbi" here comes from a Greek word meaning "my master." Jesus said that title belongs to him -- although to be honest, we've been in church speaking clubs over the years where people were called "Topicsmaster" and "Toastmaster" with no one raising questions about it.

2. Jesus the "Master" is coming back someday....

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. -- I Corinthians 15:22-23

If you belong to Christ, you'll get to meet Him in the air at His second coming (I Thessalonians 4:17). If you want to know how to belong to Him, e-mail us -- we'll be glad to guide you through the process.

Master J

Augusta, Georgia has "The Masters" every April -- but that's in golf. The U.S. government has appointed "Special Masters" over compensation funds from time to time. But as we noted in our last post, when we found an online player taking the name "TheMaster" we took exception to it.

We said Jesus is our Master -- and apparently His original disciples did as well:

You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. - John 13:13 (KJV)

Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1 indicate that Master is now in heaven, at the right hand of God the Father. While Jesus was on Earth, he warned against taking some of His names on ourselves....

Neither be you called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. - Matthew 23:10

How do you make Jesus your Master in life? Jesus thankfully offers guidance with that as well:

A student is not above his teacher [KJV "Master"], but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. - Luke 6:40

In other words, be like Jesus in all you do. In how you approach people in a game of poker, what you do during the game -- in fact, in every aspect of your life.

As it happens, National League of Poker has another player with the name "LoveLiftedMe". There's a Christian song by that title, which includes these lyrics about Jesus: "He's the master of the sea. Billows His will obey." If the sea can do it, maybe you should try it.