Jesus explains His parable ~
First Jesus explains why He teaches in parables. He teaches in parables to fulfill a prophecy found in Isaiah 6:9,10 which states that those who are determined to discount Jesus will close their minds to His teaching. Those that want to go their own way will refuse to understand it. However, those who believe, those who follow will take the time to seek the answer.
So, did you figure it out? Jesus tells us that:
The seed on the path represents the person who hears the Word, but refuses to understand. He will willingly choose to go his own way & will be separated from God for eternity. They have given their hearts over to the evil one.
The seed on the rocky path represents the person who hears the Word and believes. However, he never forms a relationship with God. As soon as the troubles of live come, he blames God and falls away. Basically, he believes what he hears, but he never actually puts his trust in God.
The seed in the thorns represents the person who hears the Word and believes, but is unwilling to make the Lord first in their life. Money, power, and materialism draw them away from their relationship with God. Once again, they never put their trust in God.
The seed that falls in the fertile soil represents a Christian. He heard, believed, and trusts. His life will be fruitful no matter what troubles come because he has formed a true relationship with God.
So, which seed are you? Are you walking the walk or are you just talking the talk? Only a life lived with God will produce the joy, peace, patience, and self-control that you desire.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 1-9; Luke 8:4-8
The Parable of the Four Soils ~
This is one of the most told parables. Jesus often taught in parables. A parable is defined as, "a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson." For some these stories made sense right away, but many needed explanations. Tomorrow we will get the explanation. DON'T READ AHEAD! Spend the next day contemplating what Jesus might mean.
A farmer is sowing his seed.
Birds ate the seed scattered on the path.
The rocky soil produced fast-growing, but weak plants that quickly died in the shallow soil.
The seed that fell among the thorns was choked out by those quick growing weeds.
The seed that fell on the good soil flourished & produced a huge crop.
Hmmm . . . what does it mean to you?
This is one of the most told parables. Jesus often taught in parables. A parable is defined as, "a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson." For some these stories made sense right away, but many needed explanations. Tomorrow we will get the explanation. DON'T READ AHEAD! Spend the next day contemplating what Jesus might mean.
A farmer is sowing his seed.
Birds ate the seed scattered on the path.
The rocky soil produced fast-growing, but weak plants that quickly died in the shallow soil.
The seed that fell among the thorns was choked out by those quick growing weeds.
The seed that fell on the good soil flourished & produced a huge crop.
Hmmm . . . what does it mean to you?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Matthew 12:46-50: Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21
Jesus Describes His New Family ~
Is Jesus denying His family? No. He's simply making a point. As God on earth, everyone who hears and obeys His Words is part of His family. As soon as you believe & accept Jesus into His heart you become a part of that family. Jesus tells us that His mother and brothers aren't more important than the rest of His family.
Isn't that nice? You're part of the family of God! There's no one more important than you in that family! We are all equal. Puts a smile on your face, now doesn't it?
Is Jesus denying His family? No. He's simply making a point. As God on earth, everyone who hears and obeys His Words is part of His family. As soon as you believe & accept Jesus into His heart you become a part of that family. Jesus tells us that His mother and brothers aren't more important than the rest of His family.
Isn't that nice? You're part of the family of God! There's no one more important than you in that family! We are all equal. Puts a smile on your face, now doesn't it?
Monday, September 24, 2012
Matthew 12:38-45
Religious Leaders ask Jesus for a miracle ~
So they have just accused Him of being under Satan's power. Jesus refuted their words, so they now ask for a sign saying, "If you really are from God, show us a miracle." Now, they've witnessed plenty of miracles and have refused to believe. Another miracle isn't going to change that. Jesus tells them what a wicked bunch they are. He compares them to ancient pagan places such as Nineveh and Sheba. However, He tells them these places will sit in judgment of the religious leaders, for these places repented when the Word was presented to them. The only sign they will see is Jesus' death and resurrection (& many of them will still refuse to believe.)
Notice, this is a prophecy - Jesus is telling them what is to come, but they have shut their ears to hearing anything that He has to say.
Jesus ends the discussion by describing the state of the nation of Israel. They have cleaned up their lives with all the laws they follow, but they have left their hearts empty and open. Instead of filling themselves God, their emptiness leaves plenty of room for Satan to move right on in. Never mistake cleanliness for godliness. Without the relationship, you're just wasting your time.
So they have just accused Him of being under Satan's power. Jesus refuted their words, so they now ask for a sign saying, "If you really are from God, show us a miracle." Now, they've witnessed plenty of miracles and have refused to believe. Another miracle isn't going to change that. Jesus tells them what a wicked bunch they are. He compares them to ancient pagan places such as Nineveh and Sheba. However, He tells them these places will sit in judgment of the religious leaders, for these places repented when the Word was presented to them. The only sign they will see is Jesus' death and resurrection (& many of them will still refuse to believe.)
Notice, this is a prophecy - Jesus is telling them what is to come, but they have shut their ears to hearing anything that He has to say.
Jesus ends the discussion by describing the state of the nation of Israel. They have cleaned up their lives with all the laws they follow, but they have left their hearts empty and open. Instead of filling themselves God, their emptiness leaves plenty of room for Satan to move right on in. Never mistake cleanliness for godliness. Without the relationship, you're just wasting your time.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-30
Religious Leaders Accuse Jesus of Being under Satan's Power ~
Matthew gives us a longer story. Mark gives it short & sweet. This is typical of their writing styles. However, both agree that the religious leaders accuse Jesus of being demon possessed. Jesus gives it to them straight. He's not demon-possessed. Why would a demon cast out a demon? Plus, what about all those other Jewish prophets & religious leaders that are able to cast out demons? They've never been accused of being demon-possessed. Then Jesus says something that has left people in a cold sweat for centuries, "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
Whoo, hold on, never be forgiven. Oh no! What if I do that? How do I avoid doing that? I want to make sure I never, ever blaspheme the Holy Spirit, but what does that really mean? Settle down, it's pretty simple. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit reveals a heart-attitude of unbelief and unrepentance. It's deliberately, willfully rejecting the Work of God. It's saying, "Obviously that's a sign of God, but I don't believe in God, nor will I admit that God could even exist, so I'm going to say that such & such is responsible for that." Who would even say that? Who would look at the facts & then reject them on principle? Well, there are several well-known evolutionist & atheists that would rather believe in something they know is flawed than admit God exists.
So, do you have cause to fear never being forgiven? Only if you blatantly, willfully reject God. I heard a great quote by Dr. Dobson's daughter. She said [and I paraphrase] - God is a gentleman. If you reject Him, He will let you make that choice. He's not going to force Himself on you. Here's the thing to remember: if you reject Him now, that's it. You've made your choice, so be prepared to stick with it in eternity. He didn't force Himself on you now & He's not going to force Himself on you later. HOWEVER if you choose Him now - well He's there for eternity. How awesome is that?
Matthew gives us a longer story. Mark gives it short & sweet. This is typical of their writing styles. However, both agree that the religious leaders accuse Jesus of being demon possessed. Jesus gives it to them straight. He's not demon-possessed. Why would a demon cast out a demon? Plus, what about all those other Jewish prophets & religious leaders that are able to cast out demons? They've never been accused of being demon-possessed. Then Jesus says something that has left people in a cold sweat for centuries, "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
Whoo, hold on, never be forgiven. Oh no! What if I do that? How do I avoid doing that? I want to make sure I never, ever blaspheme the Holy Spirit, but what does that really mean? Settle down, it's pretty simple. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit reveals a heart-attitude of unbelief and unrepentance. It's deliberately, willfully rejecting the Work of God. It's saying, "Obviously that's a sign of God, but I don't believe in God, nor will I admit that God could even exist, so I'm going to say that such & such is responsible for that." Who would even say that? Who would look at the facts & then reject them on principle? Well, there are several well-known evolutionist & atheists that would rather believe in something they know is flawed than admit God exists.
So, do you have cause to fear never being forgiven? Only if you blatantly, willfully reject God. I heard a great quote by Dr. Dobson's daughter. She said [and I paraphrase] - God is a gentleman. If you reject Him, He will let you make that choice. He's not going to force Himself on you. Here's the thing to remember: if you reject Him now, that's it. You've made your choice, so be prepared to stick with it in eternity. He didn't force Himself on you now & He's not going to force Himself on you later. HOWEVER if you choose Him now - well He's there for eternity. How awesome is that?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Luke 8:1-3
Women Accompany Jesus & the Disciples ~
Hmmm . . . ever heard that the Bible is sexist? God only likes men? Well, apparently those who believe that haven't ever read the Bible. Jesus healed everybody - men & women. He spoke to everybody - men & women. He allowed both men & women to be disciples. Many woman traveled with Jesus. Luke let's us know that these women weren't dependent on the men - they weren't there just as beggars. They were independently able to support themselves & they were active in Jesus' ministry. Pretty awesome. Aren't you glad Jesus sees you as a human being, nothing more or less. He doesn't care about your gender, race, or the deeds you've done. He just cares about you. Isn't that what you've always wanted?
Hmmm . . . ever heard that the Bible is sexist? God only likes men? Well, apparently those who believe that haven't ever read the Bible. Jesus healed everybody - men & women. He spoke to everybody - men & women. He allowed both men & women to be disciples. Many woman traveled with Jesus. Luke let's us know that these women weren't dependent on the men - they weren't there just as beggars. They were independently able to support themselves & they were active in Jesus' ministry. Pretty awesome. Aren't you glad Jesus sees you as a human being, nothing more or less. He doesn't care about your gender, race, or the deeds you've done. He just cares about you. Isn't that what you've always wanted?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Luke 7:36-50
A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet ~
Are there people in your life that you look down on? Certain members of society that you think you're better than? A pharisee was upper class, this woman was definitely lower class. Yet Jesus loved them both and treated them equally. He forgave both of their sins. In God's eye, we are all precious. God treats us all equally. He asks us to do the same. Remember a few weeks ago when we read not to judge. It's found in Luke 6:36-42. Basically, God will treat you the way you treat other people. So practice that Golden Rule!!
Are there people in your life that you look down on? Certain members of society that you think you're better than? A pharisee was upper class, this woman was definitely lower class. Yet Jesus loved them both and treated them equally. He forgave both of their sins. In God's eye, we are all precious. God treats us all equally. He asks us to do the same. Remember a few weeks ago when we read not to judge. It's found in Luke 6:36-42. Basically, God will treat you the way you treat other people. So practice that Golden Rule!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Matthew 11:1-9; Luke 18-35
Jesus Eases John's Doubt ~
John had been hearing rumors & reports concerning Jesus, but these reports were unexpected & incomplete. So, he sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Christ. I like that John didn't just listen to gossip & hearsay. Instead, he went straight to the source. What are you listening to? Do you make judgements based on second hand knowledge or do you go straight to the source?
Jesus sends back a positive message to John. He also affirms John's ministry to the people listening to Him. Notice the Pharisees and experts disregard His words. They just want to hear what they want to hear. Are you so stuck in your own believes that you refuse to hear the Truth?
Jesus finishes this talk with a reminder to search out truth. People refused to see Him & John for who they really were. Instead they judged them on shallow first impressions or gossip. Today, take some time to assess what you believe and why. Are you basing your life on the Truth or on misinformation?
John had been hearing rumors & reports concerning Jesus, but these reports were unexpected & incomplete. So, he sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Christ. I like that John didn't just listen to gossip & hearsay. Instead, he went straight to the source. What are you listening to? Do you make judgements based on second hand knowledge or do you go straight to the source?
Jesus sends back a positive message to John. He also affirms John's ministry to the people listening to Him. Notice the Pharisees and experts disregard His words. They just want to hear what they want to hear. Are you so stuck in your own believes that you refuse to hear the Truth?
Jesus finishes this talk with a reminder to search out truth. People refused to see Him & John for who they really were. Instead they judged them on shallow first impressions or gossip. Today, take some time to assess what you believe and why. Are you basing your life on the Truth or on misinformation?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Luke 7:11-17
The widow's son ~
I find it interesting that this woman didn't even ask for help. Jesus saw her & her need & He stepped out & did something about it.
Please note that this woman was a widow & her only son had died. This would leave her penniless with no means of support in this society. Notice the son is a young man - he would be the one providing the support for his mother.
What do I get from this? Jesus will always provide for our needs. It may not be in the way you were thinking, but His choices will be the best way possible.
I find it interesting that this woman didn't even ask for help. Jesus saw her & her need & He stepped out & did something about it.
Please note that this woman was a widow & her only son had died. This would leave her penniless with no means of support in this society. Notice the son is a young man - he would be the one providing the support for his mother.
What do I get from this? Jesus will always provide for our needs. It may not be in the way you were thinking, but His choices will be the best way possible.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Matthew 8:5-13 & Luke 7:1-10
The Centurion ~
Jesus has finished the Sermon on the Mount & heads into Capernaum where He encounters a centurion, or according to Luke - the centurions friends. (Remember, Matthew was an eye witness, Luke is recounting someone else's eye witness account. It is normal for these types of details to differ.) A Roman centurion was a soldier. This man would not have been a Jew, yet he displays some of the greatest faith of anyone in the Bible.
First, Jesus takes this moment to address the crowd, reminding them that the kingdom of heaven isn't reserved for the Jews. It is open to all who believe. Whoo Hoo! That's good news for you & me.
Second, this man is so confident about who Jesus is that he doesn't even ask Jesus to come to his home. No, he knows that Jesus is able to do all things where ever He is. Wow, that's some BIG faith. Plus, the man was humble & submissive. See, when you have someone in your life that is in authority over you - you serve with humble submission. That means you trust them to be your leader. You don't demand your way, but you respect their way. You follow their instructions without attitude or strive. You do these things because you trust that the person in authority over you knows what is best.
Oh, humble submission is a difficult attitude to master. But it is very worth the effort. Humble submission to the Lord Jesus Christ takes the yoke off your back & puts it on His. It takes away questions, worry, and doubt, leaving you with confidence, joy, and peace. Doesn't that sound good?
Jesus has finished the Sermon on the Mount & heads into Capernaum where He encounters a centurion, or according to Luke - the centurions friends. (Remember, Matthew was an eye witness, Luke is recounting someone else's eye witness account. It is normal for these types of details to differ.) A Roman centurion was a soldier. This man would not have been a Jew, yet he displays some of the greatest faith of anyone in the Bible.
First, Jesus takes this moment to address the crowd, reminding them that the kingdom of heaven isn't reserved for the Jews. It is open to all who believe. Whoo Hoo! That's good news for you & me.
Second, this man is so confident about who Jesus is that he doesn't even ask Jesus to come to his home. No, he knows that Jesus is able to do all things where ever He is. Wow, that's some BIG faith. Plus, the man was humble & submissive. See, when you have someone in your life that is in authority over you - you serve with humble submission. That means you trust them to be your leader. You don't demand your way, but you respect their way. You follow their instructions without attitude or strive. You do these things because you trust that the person in authority over you knows what is best.
Oh, humble submission is a difficult attitude to master. But it is very worth the effort. Humble submission to the Lord Jesus Christ takes the yoke off your back & puts it on His. It takes away questions, worry, and doubt, leaving you with confidence, joy, and peace. Doesn't that sound good?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Matthew 7:24-28
The Wise & Foolish Builders ~
Look, Jesus is providing you with the tools to lead a safe & peaceful, not to mention joyful, life. If you listen to His Words & put them into practice you are living the good life. The storms WILL come, but with Jesus there is no need to fear them. He's got your back.
If you ignore the Words of Jesus, well then you're going to struggle. The storms WILL come & knock you down. Yuck.
So, peace or struggle, joy or depression, safety or danger. It's your choice. As for me & my house, we will choose the Lord.
Look, Jesus is providing you with the tools to lead a safe & peaceful, not to mention joyful, life. If you listen to His Words & put them into practice you are living the good life. The storms WILL come, but with Jesus there is no need to fear them. He's got your back.
If you ignore the Words of Jesus, well then you're going to struggle. The storms WILL come & knock you down. Yuck.
So, peace or struggle, joy or depression, safety or danger. It's your choice. As for me & my house, we will choose the Lord.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45
Fruit in peoples lives ~
I get a very simple message from today's reading: your words & actions lay open your heart. How can you discern a person's heart? Watch what they say & do. Do they just talk the talk or do they walk the walk? Even more important: pay attention to what you say & do. Are your words full of life, grace, and joy? Or are you walking around like Eeyore? You know the donkey from Winnie the Pooh. Poor thing has no hope, no joy. His life is ho-hum. He could use a shot of the Holy Spirit, but since he is a fictional character - let's get back to you.
Spend today reflecting your fruit. Are you a good producer or are you just taking up space? If you need a shot of the Holy Spirit to revive your fruit - ask & you shall receive, seek & you shall find, knock and the door will be open to you.
I get a very simple message from today's reading: your words & actions lay open your heart. How can you discern a person's heart? Watch what they say & do. Do they just talk the talk or do they walk the walk? Even more important: pay attention to what you say & do. Are your words full of life, grace, and joy? Or are you walking around like Eeyore? You know the donkey from Winnie the Pooh. Poor thing has no hope, no joy. His life is ho-hum. He could use a shot of the Holy Spirit, but since he is a fictional character - let's get back to you.
Spend today reflecting your fruit. Are you a good producer or are you just taking up space? If you need a shot of the Holy Spirit to revive your fruit - ask & you shall receive, seek & you shall find, knock and the door will be open to you.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Matthew 7:13-14
The Narrow & Wide Gates ~
How can two little verses pack such a punch? Look, there's A LOT out there - religions, entertainment, hobbies, activities. It's easy to get sucked into all this stuff. I myself am constantly saying how busy, busy, busy I am.
HOWEVER, eternity - that life that comes after this one - has only two options: God's way or man's way. As a culture full of options, we cry not fair! And that's why so many fail to find the path to God. We are looking at the world through spoiled brat goggles. I should get to pick, I should get to choose, I should be able to do what I want when I want. Well you do get to choose - you can choose God - the only way to eternal life. OR you can choose your way, whichever way you want your way to be & gain death. It's pretty simple.
Let's take off those spoiled-brat goggles & put on some corrective eye wear shall we? Instead of stamping your feet & screaming not fair, take a look at all that God has provided. Yes, the way is narrow - there is only one way, Jesus Christ. But, oh, that way brings joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, & self-control. Or you can spend your time doing things your way - how's that working out for you?
How can two little verses pack such a punch? Look, there's A LOT out there - religions, entertainment, hobbies, activities. It's easy to get sucked into all this stuff. I myself am constantly saying how busy, busy, busy I am.
HOWEVER, eternity - that life that comes after this one - has only two options: God's way or man's way. As a culture full of options, we cry not fair! And that's why so many fail to find the path to God. We are looking at the world through spoiled brat goggles. I should get to pick, I should get to choose, I should be able to do what I want when I want. Well you do get to choose - you can choose God - the only way to eternal life. OR you can choose your way, whichever way you want your way to be & gain death. It's pretty simple.
Let's take off those spoiled-brat goggles & put on some corrective eye wear shall we? Instead of stamping your feet & screaming not fair, take a look at all that God has provided. Yes, the way is narrow - there is only one way, Jesus Christ. But, oh, that way brings joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, & self-control. Or you can spend your time doing things your way - how's that working out for you?
Friday, September 7, 2012
Matthew 7:7-12
Ask, Seek, Knock ~
What is the Law? It is summed up by, "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you." Basically, the Law tells us how to treat others - by putting their needs and feelings first.
The Lord does this for you. When you need, He supplies. When you ask, He responds. When you seek Him, He is there. So, seek Him out today & see what you find. I have a feeling you're going to find a loving Father who has been waiting for you with His arms open.
What is the Law? It is summed up by, "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you." Basically, the Law tells us how to treat others - by putting their needs and feelings first.
The Lord does this for you. When you need, He supplies. When you ask, He responds. When you seek Him, He is there. So, seek Him out today & see what you find. I have a feeling you're going to find a loving Father who has been waiting for you with His arms open.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Matthew 7:1-6
Judging Others ~
Hmmm . . . we want God to forgive & accept us. And He does, in the same measure we judge others. Yikes! There's a lot of pot & kettle behavior going on out there. We want to do what we want to do, say what we want to say, & think what we want to think, but don't to call us on it. Yet, we have no problem calling every one else on their behavior.
Jesus tells us to focus on ourselves. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What do we need to fix about ourselves? That's where our focus should be. As for others, well, treat them the way God treats you - with grace & kindness. And remember to give people the benefit of the doubt.
Hmmm . . . we want God to forgive & accept us. And He does, in the same measure we judge others. Yikes! There's a lot of pot & kettle behavior going on out there. We want to do what we want to do, say what we want to say, & think what we want to think, but don't to call us on it. Yet, we have no problem calling every one else on their behavior.
Jesus tells us to focus on ourselves. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What do we need to fix about ourselves? That's where our focus should be. As for others, well, treat them the way God treats you - with grace & kindness. And remember to give people the benefit of the doubt.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Matthew 6:25-34
Worry ~
Worry, stress, anxiety - have become a huge multi-billion dollar industry in America. We spend so much time worrying about all our stuff, how we will spend our money, if we have enough money, what we will eat, what we will wear, what car to drive, what phone to buy . . .
Enough already. Do you really believe that God is in control? Do you absolutely trust that He will take care of you? If you do then stop all this worrying, it's not going to get you anywhere, it won't make your life longer or better.
As Jesus tells us - seek God, focus on your relationship with Him & all this worry will just fall away. As you learn to trust Him, to rely on Him, to focus on Him it's amazing how easy, peaceful, and content life becomes. God's grace will get you through anything - so seek Him out.
Worry, stress, anxiety - have become a huge multi-billion dollar industry in America. We spend so much time worrying about all our stuff, how we will spend our money, if we have enough money, what we will eat, what we will wear, what car to drive, what phone to buy . . .
Enough already. Do you really believe that God is in control? Do you absolutely trust that He will take care of you? If you do then stop all this worrying, it's not going to get you anywhere, it won't make your life longer or better.
As Jesus tells us - seek God, focus on your relationship with Him & all this worry will just fall away. As you learn to trust Him, to rely on Him, to focus on Him it's amazing how easy, peaceful, and content life becomes. God's grace will get you through anything - so seek Him out.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Matthew 6:19-24
Money ~
Ah money, it makes the world go round - right? Well actually, God makes the world go round & I think that's what Jesus is trying to point out here. It's very easy to be fixated on money; after all, there's so much to buy, so much we need, so many wonderful things we can do with money. It offers comfort, pleasure, and power. We spend a good deal of time working for it so we can afford the house we live in, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the entertainment & electronics we desire. But oh, how frivolous & exhausting the pursuit of money becomes. You see the more you have, the more you work. You work harder, you buy a bigger house, more cars, more stuff. Then when you're not working you're taking care of all that stuff & the work just piles up & piles up & piles up. Plus, all this stuff never really satisfies us. We think if we just had that car, that phone, that house, those clothes, if we went on that vacation - well then life will be wonderful & I will be happy, happy, happy. But that doesn't happen, now does it? Dreams are achieved, become memories, & a new dream just takes it's place. Plus in our world of advanced technology - that new smart phone doesn't stay smart for very long. There's always something bigger & better coming up around the corner.
So, what does Jesus tell us? Stop spending your time focused on money. It doesn't last. All those things you now own will deteriorate & become worthless. Why spend all your time & energy on them? Instead, let's focus on our relationship with God. You see, as I recently read, "we aren't physical beings having a spiritual experience - we are spiritual beings having a physical experience." The physical is going to end, there's no stopping it. Oh, but the spiritual - well that's eternal. So let's put our focus there. Because frankly, there is only so much time in a day, so many hours in our life & one master we can pursue at a time. One master cares about you, wants to bless you, & will always provide for you. The other master, well money is an inanimate object - it has no feelings or motivations.
Are you going to spend your time on that which is temporary or that which is eternal? Only one can bring true happiness. Quite frankly, all the money in the world can't buy what the Spirit gives us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn't that the treasure you're really seeking?
Ah money, it makes the world go round - right? Well actually, God makes the world go round & I think that's what Jesus is trying to point out here. It's very easy to be fixated on money; after all, there's so much to buy, so much we need, so many wonderful things we can do with money. It offers comfort, pleasure, and power. We spend a good deal of time working for it so we can afford the house we live in, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the entertainment & electronics we desire. But oh, how frivolous & exhausting the pursuit of money becomes. You see the more you have, the more you work. You work harder, you buy a bigger house, more cars, more stuff. Then when you're not working you're taking care of all that stuff & the work just piles up & piles up & piles up. Plus, all this stuff never really satisfies us. We think if we just had that car, that phone, that house, those clothes, if we went on that vacation - well then life will be wonderful & I will be happy, happy, happy. But that doesn't happen, now does it? Dreams are achieved, become memories, & a new dream just takes it's place. Plus in our world of advanced technology - that new smart phone doesn't stay smart for very long. There's always something bigger & better coming up around the corner.
So, what does Jesus tell us? Stop spending your time focused on money. It doesn't last. All those things you now own will deteriorate & become worthless. Why spend all your time & energy on them? Instead, let's focus on our relationship with God. You see, as I recently read, "we aren't physical beings having a spiritual experience - we are spiritual beings having a physical experience." The physical is going to end, there's no stopping it. Oh, but the spiritual - well that's eternal. So let's put our focus there. Because frankly, there is only so much time in a day, so many hours in our life & one master we can pursue at a time. One master cares about you, wants to bless you, & will always provide for you. The other master, well money is an inanimate object - it has no feelings or motivations.
Are you going to spend your time on that which is temporary or that which is eternal? Only one can bring true happiness. Quite frankly, all the money in the world can't buy what the Spirit gives us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn't that the treasure you're really seeking?
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