27th May 2023

Treasure In Heaven

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

Matt 6:19

Some years ago, when I was living in an Oxfordshire village, a newly built house burned down due to poorly installed electric wiring. The flames levelled the house within an hour, leaving nothing but rubble.

In our imperfect world, loss of material wealth is all too common—vehicles are stolen or crashed, ships sink, buildings crumble, homes are flooded (Or burn down), and personal belongings are stolen. This makes the Lords’ admonition not to put our trust in earthly wealth very meaningful (Matt 6:19).

Jesus told a story of a man who accumulated abundant treasures and decided to store up everything for himself (Luke 12:16-21).“Take life easy,” the man told himself; “eat, drink and be merry” (v 19). But that night he lost everything, including his life. In conclusion, Jesus said, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves in this life but is not rich toward God” (v 21).

Material wealth is temporary. Nothing lasts forever—except what our God enables us to do for others. Giving of our time and resources to spread the good news, visiting those who are lonely or sick, and helping those in need are just some of the many ways to store up treasure in heaven. And one last thought, our treasure in Heaven, is the Lord Jesus Christ, and all our loved ones, family and friends, who have died knowing Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Now that is real treasure in Heaven.

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-24.

Prayer

MY Father and my God, I thank You for all my loved ones who believed on You in this life, and are now rest at Your side in glory. Thank You, that I will one day be reunited with them. In Christ's name. Amen.