Epistles to the Cyberchurch

To: All
From: Su Min
Subject: Treasures

Dearly beloved,
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich, and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see (Rev 3: 18).
Today's reading is from Matt 6:19:21. Read and hear our Lord and Master teach us. Jesus says, "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 where thieves do not break in and steal." Jesus then rounds up this teaching by saying "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This whole passage merits memorisation, including the reference. Do a print out, carry it around with you for this week. Read it three time a day. Commit it to memory. The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom and his tongue speaks what is just. The Law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip (Ps 37:31).
How does the law of God get into your heart? By memorisation. What will be the result? You will utter wisdom. You will speak justly. Your feet will not slip. Praise God! Memorise his word. Hide his word in your heart. Write them upon the tablets of your heart. To do your will, O my God, is my desire; your law is within my heart (Ps 40:8). I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people (Jer 31:33).
Our earthly possessions and treasure and riches are but a gift to us from God. We are to use them wisely and do honour to God for the gifts.
Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth Deut 8:18. Wealth and honour come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all

Chron 29:12.

Physical wealth is of the earthly realm: even diamonds and gold will be left behind when we pass from the temporal to the eternal.

For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others (Ps 49:10).

Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone, fort hey will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle (Pr 23:5).

riches do not endure for ever and a crown is not secure for all generations (Pr 27:24).

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart (Job 1:21).

We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it (1 Tim 6:7).

Possessing riches is by no means wrong. God chooses to bless those he wishes to bless. Those who are well of will be expected by God's standards to help the poor (almsgiving). But the unholy pursuit of wealth is to be avoided. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils (1 Tim 6:10).
More important than the pursuit of temporal wealth is the search for spiritual treasures. In Matt 13:44 Jesus likens the kingdom of God to treasure hidden in a field. In Matt 13:45 Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great value. In Matt 19:16-21 & Mark 10:17-21, Luke 18:18-22, Jesus teaches a rich young ruler the key to developing spiritual riches. "Sell all you have and give to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven"..,
Jesus says, "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 where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
It is true that if we get caught up in the pursuit of worldly things our spiritual life will suffer. Busy with chasing power and money, we have little time for church or God. We become engrossed in loving things and using people. But we were created to use things and love people. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In Luke 12:32-34 Jesus says to His disciples, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves with money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, nor moths destroy. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let us pray
Lord God Almighty
We praise you Father because you are worthy to be praised.
Thank you for our lesson today.
Abba, give us the desire to love people as you would want us to.
Teach us to use our earthly wealth in a manner pleasing to you.
Help us O God to lay up our treasures in heaven.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

For any comments or enquiries please write to Dr. Lim Su Min

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