Storing up treasures in Heaven

      Jesus told His followers: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and were thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

     What do earthly treasures look like? Our homes, our cars, our bank accounts, our clothing and possessions. How many of these things could withstand a fire, or rust or decay? Over time, the newness wears off, the roof may start to leak, the tires get worn out, fashion trends change, the stock market crashes, appliances quit working, or our treasures get stolen. In short, they don't last and we can't take any of them with us when we pass from this life.

     Jesus knows that we need the basics of life to survive, we all need food, clothing and shelter. We need enough money to support and take care of our families, but are we viewing these necessities from an eternal standpoint? Are we spending more time and money in maintaining an outward appearance than we are in maintaining a relationship with God?

    We are to store up treasures in heaven because they are eternal, they will never break down, wear out or lose their value. So, what do heavenly treasures look like? They look like the faces of those we have ministered to and loved while we have lived on earth. But how have we ministered to others? By the kind words we've spoken, the prayers lifted in their behalf, by sharing our food, clothing, and resources with them. The ways we have shown compassion through a healing touch or gentle instruction. The money we have given to missionaries so they can minister in other lands. When we give a hug, share our talents or give of our time to help others, we are storing up treasures in heaven.

     Whenever we sacrifice for the good of others we are adding to our treasury. All of these things can never be destroyed, burned up or stolen. And an amazing thing about these treasures is that they aren't for us, they all belong to our Father God. If we give God first place in our hearts then we already have a treasure that can never be taken from us. 

     We are God's treasured possession, He loves us and has redeemed us. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) That is a treasure in itself and a fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:6) If we are in Christ, we can be assured that in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. (Colossians 2:3) What do these scriptures say about treasures? We, as God's children are treasures to Him, a fear or reverence for the Him is key to becoming one of His treasures and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge can be ours when we give Christ first place in our hearts.

     So how do we go about storing up these treasures? What can we do? If we are followers of Christ, we have the Spirit of God living in us and that Spirit can give us very clear direction. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways that you can be a blessing to others. It may be as simple as sending a card to someone, calling those you know who need a friend or donating your time to a soup kitchen or food pantry. God often blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Let His Spirit direct you and then be obedient. 

The great I AM

      All things have a beginning and an ending. Before we are born into this world, we have to be conceived; before an invention becomes a reality, it is first a thought in the mind of an inventor; before we can reach a destination, we must take the first step. As for endings, our earthly life always ends in our death; an invention will become a useful tool until it becomes outdated and is replaced with the newest model and as we reach our destination, our journey is finished.

     But the God who created all things has declared Himself as the great I AM. He has no beginning or ending. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Before He created the world and everything in it, He was. He always has been and always will be.

     It is impossible for us to understand this concept and He knew it would be, so He, speaking through His Spirit to the people who wrote the Bible, repeated it over and over again. 

Psalm 102:25-27

25 

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26 

They will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment.

Like clothing you will change them

    and they will be discarded.

27 

But you remain the same,

    and your years will never end.

Hebrews 1:10-12

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11 

They will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment.

12 

You will roll them up like a robe;

    like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same,

    and your years will never end.”

     He knew that Moses would have to have an answer for the Jewish people who would want to know who sent him, so He told Moses His name, I AM.

Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

     He also knew that one day He would have to reveal Himself to the world He created. So He planned from the very beginning of creation to send His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus, the Spirit and the Father were one when the world was created, they worked together as eternal beings to bring the world into being. Jesus knew He was part of something bigger than His life on earth.

John 8:58

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Hebrews 13:8

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

     He was well aware of His mission on earth and who it was that He was going to answer to. He was an obedient Son and wanted the world to know that He was following orders.

John 14:10

10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

     He also pointed everyone who listened to Him to the Father, knowing full well that those who believed in Him would inherit a place in the heavenly kingdom.

John 6:51

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

     When Jesus willingly went to the cross, He knew what His death would accomplish and He also knew that He would be one with His Father again. He had no doubt about overcoming death.

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

     God wants people to see Him in His glory and He stops at nothing to give everyone a chance for eternal life. 

John 15

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

     When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we receive the Spirit of God and our lives are transformed into the very likeness of Jesus. We can hear what He asks us to do because of His Spirit. It may not be audible, but His voice is very clear to us.

John 10:14

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

     We also have the assurance that whatever we may encounter in this life, He is with us and will help us whenever we call out to Him. 

Matthew 28:20

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

     If you want to experience God’s eternal glory, which will be far beyond anything we may experience here on earth, all you have to do is believe that Jesus died for your sins, that He rose up from the grave and that He loves you enough to die for you. Invite Jesus into your heart, be attentive and obedient to the Spirit’s leading and you will inherit eternal life.