"Laying Up Treasure"

(Part 3 of 3)

 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

                                                                                                Luke 12:32-34

This passage should cause all of us to consider just how tightly we hold on to things that we should be readily giving to meet the needs of others?

This form of selfless giving is praised by Jesus in Matthew 25:35-36:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Jesus told them that “whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” This type of giving is deposited into our heavenly accounts and brings honor and joy to our Lord and Savior.

On one occasion, to reinforce this truth, Jesus was seated just opposite the place where the offerings were collected in the temple. Many rich people came in and deposited large amounts of money into the treasury. Jesus didn't mutter a word. Then a widow with two small coins came in and made her deposit. At this, Jesus turned to His disciples and declared that the widow put more in than all the others:

“I tell you the truth; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on.”

                                                                                    Mark 12:43-44

A careful accounting of the monies given may cause you to think that Jesus was in error, but in order to understand Jesus’ statement you must recognize that her offering and theirs were both placed in the treasury, but they were not deposited in the same place.

The rich gave out of their abundance, leaving plenty at home to keep them comfortable and enjoying their luxurious lifestyles. What they gave to God, albeit a large amount, demonstrated no faith.  The widow, however, refused to trust even in the little mammon that she had, and gave everything.

One was deposited in an earthly account, the other in a heavenly one! The widow understood that she could lay up her treasure on earth, or she could lay up her treasure in heaven. She chose to give and Jesus recognized her deposit!

Pastor Scott Burr                                                                    

http://faithandworshipseries.blogspot.com/