What is at the top of my ‘treasure list’?

 

Last night I tidied my studio. I have a wall of shelving full of fabric. When I look at it, two thoughts come to mind. One is the lament of many quilters: I will not live long enough to use it all. The other is a remark my son made when he last saw it: “Mom, when you die, what am I supposed to do with all this fabric?”

Since fabric is part of my creative passion, I need to guard my attitude toward it. I know that despite the benefits of money and our worldly possessions, everything I own is eventually lost. If someone doesn’t steal it, or if it doesn’t lose its value, or it never get used to make a charity quilt, death will separate all that fabric from me. That’s why Jesus 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, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19–20)

Today’ devotional states it plainly: unlike earthly treasures, our eternal inheritance can never be taken away from us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3–4)

MacArthur connects this distinction between earthly possessions and my eternal inheritance to sin. Without sin, he suggests this futility may not exist.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:20–22)

Again, he repeats that my eternal inheritance is not like earthly treasures. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me. The words used here describe a land that had never been ravaged or plundered by an invading army, meaning that my spiritual inheritance is secure and can never be violated by an intruder—not even Satan himself. That invasion began in Eden and was defeated at Calvary. We wait until our victory is fulfilled.

“Undefiled” speaks of something unpolluted by sin. “Will not fade away” suggests a supernatural beauty that time cannot impair. Peter used the same word in 1 Peter 5:4 to speak of the unfading crown of glory faithful church leaders will receive when Christ returns. “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4)

My eternal inheritance is unique. Unlike my fabric or any other possessions, no one can steal it, it cannot rot or burn up, and nothing can ruin it or diminish it in any way. It’s mine to enjoy to its fullest throughout all eternity. While the pursuit of perishable things can be a distraction from the joy of eternal riches, thinking about eternity keeps me from getting in a tizzy about ‘using up all that fabric.’ God’s plan lasts far longer than anything I can create or do while here on earth. This truth helps me keep my perspective and keeps me from using that pile of color and cloth as an excuse for ‘no time’ for prayer and doing whatever else God asks.

PRAY: Lord, You are excellent in keeping me focused. I’ve fought a bit of ADHD most of my life, but You have taken care of it by putting Yourself first in my heart. I’m so thankful that You continually remind me of what is the most value to You and what will last for eternity.

PONDER: I read Matthew 6:19-34 and realize how God has proven the truth of verse 33 by insisting I focus on Him instead of all the other things that try to capture my attention. Again, I am so thankful.

 

 

 

Receiving Christ’s Wounds

 

When someone said to me, “How dare you claim to be a child of God” their rejection of my claim echoed those who crucified Jesus because He dared to claim Himself the Son of God, God in human flesh. At the time, I didn’t recognize that the rejection I received was really aimed at Jesus.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (Matthew 5:10–11)

Today’s devotional points to Italian reformer Savonarola (1452–1498) who was called “the Burning Beacon of the Reformation.” He preached against the sin and corruption in the church of his day and many who heard him were dazed, bewildered, and speechless. Sobs of repentance often were heard as the Holy Spirit moved in their hearts. However, some refused to even tolerate the truth. Eventually, they had him executed.

God didn’t call me to be a preacher. However, I am to be “salt and light” in a thirsty and dark world. Some people will declare themselves on a salt-free diet and love the darkness. Jesus said, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:20) Does this mean they will not tolerate the truth they see and hear from me? It’s possible. Jesus also said:

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. (John 15:20)

Sin makes people intolerant toward righteousness. It exposes them. When Jesus lived among us, no one had ever seen a perfect man. As they saw His works and heard His words, they realized the contrast between His perfections and their lives. Sin pressed them to find fault, to mistreat and mock, and finally crucify the One they could not measure up to, the God-man sent from heaven to save them from the sin that drove them to kill Him. As the psalmist said:

But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good. (Psalm 38:19–20)

These and other passages prophesy that people would hate Christ without just cause and Jesus says that will happen to those who follow Him. They may not hate us personally, but they resent and resist all that we believe. Christ isn’t here for them to lash out at, so His people become targets — and for some, like Savonarola and thousands more, this means death. MacArthur says for me it could mean social alienation or other forms of persecution, yet the way the world is going, death is not out of the possibilities.

Whatever happens, the NT gives assurance. One verse says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) Another adds, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13)

Jesus, I cannot write this without thinking of the word some. Jesus endured rejection from everyone yet after His resurrection, some believed, then many believed, even some of the Pharisees that had been against Him. I am not perfect, not an object of pure hatred. To me, that means I can suffer for Christ’s sake, but not all will reject me because they reject Him. Some will be saved. Some will hear about Jesus and say yes to faith and repentance. If I focus on persecution, I will be tempted to be silent. If I focus on possibilities of acceptance and salvation, then I will share with others in whatever way You prompt me and in the opportunities that You give. Knowing I will suffer for Jesus could give me a martyr complex. Knowing others might believe keeps me focused on Your mighty power, grace and love that transforms lives.

READ Acts 9:1-31 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and remember the power of Christ to change lives. Rejoice that He is the same today and a word from Him (who created the universe with words) is still in the business of rescuing sinners and changing them from hating Him and His people to those who love Him and His people.