“LAY UP …. TREASURES IN HEAVEN” Thoughts from today’s Bible readings – Jan. 4th
That’s impossible – in a literal sense! But what sort of treasures was Jesus talking about when he said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” [Matt. 6 v.19,20]. Jesus goes on to say, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” [v.21] How can your heart be in heaven?
Some love to hear songs about individual’s stealing hearts – meaning affections. Jesus is talking about where your affections are focussed. Jesus “mines” some of his sayings from the book of Proverbs: for example there is the proverb which reads, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” [4 v.23] A spring is the source of pure water, often bottled water on sale is said to be spring water.
How vital to keep the thoughts of our hearts pure! Another proverb says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.” [25 v, 26] Tragically there are many muddied springs and polluted fountains around these days, never has it been more vital – and challenging – indeed difficult – to keep our minds clean.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of the water with the word” [5 v.25,26] Think carefully about the point he is making. Jesus loves those who become believers in him. His sacrifice was made not only for the forgiveness of the sins of those who truly believe and are baptised – but also to inspire them to become clean in their minds by making constant use of the “word” his Father has inspired men of faith to write – and to be preserved.
There is a lifetime of steps to follow in walking in the footsteps of Christ. These inspired words provide, what we might call, the washing powder, that will keep the hearts of believers from becoming polluted; lets’ use it every day. How thought provoking and stimulating are the Psalms we are now reading (and will be for many weeks).
A final thought on “treasures in heaven.” Did you notice when we read the final chapter of Revelation last week that in the last chapter Jesus said, “Behold I am coming soon, bringing my recompense (reward) with me to repay everyone for what they have done” [v.12] We do not go to heaven to claim our treasure and reward, Jesus will bring it to us when he comes – and the way the world is now – that could be very “soon.” Make sure you have laid up treasures in heaven that he can and will surely bring. D.Caudery
