Matthew 6:19-24 (The Sermon on the Mount, Part XI)
Treasures in Heaven
The Lord says in verse 19 what we all know, things don't last. Fashion changes, fads come ago, things break, wear down, or even are stolen from us. There is little in this world that lasts the test of time. But in verse 20 we are told what does last... heavenly treasures! Now heaven isn't exactly a place where you can Fed-Ex your favorite gadget or pair of shoes. What we can "send ahead" is faithful, loving service to our Lord. Not service to serve ourselves, or service to show off how good we are. It's those secret deeds, those done in private, only for the Lord to know, and only for him. These are things that go before us and join in the glory of God. We do them in celebration of our salvation and the victory that is ours through Christ. Not for our gain, but for our love of God. This is what is mentioned in verse 21, that our hearts will be there as well if our focus lies in God. If this world gets us confused and tempts us with it's shiny trinkets, then our hearts turn toward the worldly, the temporary and corruptible. These will never fulfill and never last. This is what the Lord refers to in 22 and 23, that if your eyes are fixed on the light of God and truth, then everything you are will be in that light. But if you are fixed on the darkness of this world and it's lies, then all you are will be in that darkness. What is worse are those who trust in the darkness of this world and think it is light... how much worse will it be for them in the end? Finally, Jesus puts it bluntly to us, there are no two ways about it. You can either serve God or serve Money. Money capitalized is the constant worry, striving and service to have money and things. God blesses us richly with so much comfort and provisions far beyond our basic needs. God blesses some even more so that they might contribute to ministry and education. He is the one that decides these things... and we must be content with his choice. Let our eyes and our hearts be set upon seeking his kingdom and he will generously provide for all our needs.
The Lord says in verse 19 what we all know, things don't last. Fashion changes, fads come ago, things break, wear down, or even are stolen from us. There is little in this world that lasts the test of time. But in verse 20 we are told what does last... heavenly treasures! Now heaven isn't exactly a place where you can Fed-Ex your favorite gadget or pair of shoes. What we can "send ahead" is faithful, loving service to our Lord. Not service to serve ourselves, or service to show off how good we are. It's those secret deeds, those done in private, only for the Lord to know, and only for him. These are things that go before us and join in the glory of God. We do them in celebration of our salvation and the victory that is ours through Christ. Not for our gain, but for our love of God. This is what is mentioned in verse 21, that our hearts will be there as well if our focus lies in God. If this world gets us confused and tempts us with it's shiny trinkets, then our hearts turn toward the worldly, the temporary and corruptible. These will never fulfill and never last. This is what the Lord refers to in 22 and 23, that if your eyes are fixed on the light of God and truth, then everything you are will be in that light. But if you are fixed on the darkness of this world and it's lies, then all you are will be in that darkness. What is worse are those who trust in the darkness of this world and think it is light... how much worse will it be for them in the end? Finally, Jesus puts it bluntly to us, there are no two ways about it. You can either serve God or serve Money. Money capitalized is the constant worry, striving and service to have money and things. God blesses us richly with so much comfort and provisions far beyond our basic needs. God blesses some even more so that they might contribute to ministry and education. He is the one that decides these things... and we must be content with his choice. Let our eyes and our hearts be set upon seeking his kingdom and he will generously provide for all our needs.
posted by Ayric Andy | 11:23 PM
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