Luke 12:22-34 (NKJV) Selected
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on…. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Or can you? They have said you can’t take it with you. But you can send it on ahead. Jesus spoke about treasures in heaven where they will last and not be destroyed nor stolen. In this world, treasures are stolen, and moths eat through. Our world steals and kills and destroys. In heaven, it is not like that. So why do we try to gain so many possessions in this life. Greed seems to be everywhere. Much of our culture centers on self and what benefits our own cause. There is the saying the you never see a U-Haul following a hearse.
When we pass from this life, we cannot take possessions with us. But Jesus tells us we can send things ahead. What does he mean by that? There is another line in there which sheds light on His meaning. “33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.” Instead of being self-centered, it seems as our Lord wants us to be outwardly focused. If we look out for others, we are building treasures in heaven. Jesus calls it “money bags” which do not grow old. Those treasures will be waiting for you when you arrive. So you can send it on ahead.
Right now, there are many things that worry us. Jesus also told us not to worry. It is curious that Jesus would speak about worrying and treasures in heaven in the same passage. It is hard to worry about yourself when you are focused on others. So maybe outward focus is a solution for worrying and saving treasures.
As I sit in our home isolated from the world to avoid the Corona virus, I wonder about where we are putting our focus. Looking at the stores, many are focusing on their own needs. What is the deal with the toilet paper? Hoarding has always bewildered me. When I looked at the paper isle and it was totally empty, I began to wonder. Are we focusing on ourselves or on those around us? What do tough times teach us? During 9-11, people went out of their way to help one another; to love one another. What about the days of Covid-19? How will they be remembered. How do you want to be remembered? I visited a Church we attended years ago because I had an appointment with the Pastor. In my Ministry, I am visiting with Pastors to keep them encouraged. Anyway, the current Church Secretary, Cathy, remembered me. She said I was the first person to greet her and her husband when they came to that Church. Now that’s how I want to be remembered.
What will you do in light of the current situation? We are all staying at home where possible. I pray for essential services workers who have to face the public every day. Do you want to build your personal wealth, amass possessions or build treasures in heaven? With every challenge comes opportunity. What opportunity do you have? Are there phone calls you could make? Jesus is asking you to be His hands and feet. From where you are, you can still make a difference!
Lord, help us to see what we can do for You in this current crisis. How can we love and care for one another if we can’t touch each other? Obviously, You know how because You have done it forever. Thank you for loving us. Teach us Your ways so that we may love one another as You have loved us. In Your name we pray!