Treasures in Heaven

Hang on in there, I'm up to number 9 in my "10 Reasons to Believe." Only one more to go after this!

What do you treasure? 

I'm a bit of a geek, and so the things that grab my attention and captivate me tend to be new technologies, new software and new ways of applying technology.  I'm generally not impressed by expensive things or shiny things. I honestly cannot tell the difference between Gaultier and Target's own brands, Rolex and Timex, or even diamonds and cubic zirconia.  Well, maybe I can see the difference side by side, but if you presented me with one or the other (with the label removed) and asked me what it was, I'd be clueless. I for sure don't appreciate paying a whole lot more for one versus the other. I guess I don't see the value...?  BUT, paying $3000 for a MacBook Pro versus $300 for an Acer Chromebook, hmmm, yeah, I lose all common sense.

So in applying to our modern times what Jesus said on the sermon on the mount: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth..." for me that's tech stuff.  Then he continues "...where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." That still applies to our clothes, cars, and latest gadgets.  In our modern western world we have way more things than the folks did in the 1st Century AD. Still today they wear out, burn out or become obsolete in the blink of an eye.  And for sure, the thieves have way more stuff to steal these days than back then.  Perhaps they give us pleasure or comfort for a little while, but it doesn't last.

A Better Treasure

Jesus says there's a better treasure; a treasure in heaven, that's not affected by moths, rust, or thieves with sticky fingers. If you set your heart on that treasure you'll have something that satisfies for the long term, not just in your existence here on Earth, but beyond and to eternity.

So what is this treasure that He speaks of? He's a little vague in the sermon and I guess you could take it to mean the treasure of eternal life, or the rewards God will give someone for being faithful in using what He gives us as recounted in the parable of the talents. For sure these are some of the long-lasting treasures.

But, I think the ultimate treasure we get by believing in Jesus and trusting in Him, is God Himself, and we get this treasure in 2 installments. Firstly, when you put your trust in Jesus, He gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with you and help you through this life. He comforts, guides, and empowers you as you walk with Jesus in this life. Secondly, in eternity we get to be with God in person.  That will be the ultimate gift; the ultimate treasure.

So what's your treasure?

"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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount)

Eternal Life

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

The scriptures of the New Testament are full of references to eternal life.  The promise of eternal life after death is a central message of the Christian faith and is certainly a very good reason to believe in Jesus.

God is holy and we are not. In our basic nature we kick against God, rebelling against Him, and trying to do life our own way. Even though He created all life including us, we ignore Him, pay Him basic lip-service, or flat out turn away from Him to do our own thing. This sets us against God. This makes us His enemy. As Jesus said in the scripture above, the wrath of God remains on us.  At the end of our lives we'll face God and His wrath. That's a very scary thought.  That's bad news.

But the same scripture also has some very good news. If you believe in the Son - if you believe in Jesus and what He did through His willing death and resurrection to pay the price for our rebellion - then you have eternal life. Instead of facing God's wrath you have his favor, through His Son.  If you turn to Jesus and say that He is your Lord, then He grants you everlasting life.  That's the simple and yet profound truth of the Christian message. It's not through your own efforts, religious rituals, or good works; it's simply acknowledging your need to be rescued from God's wrath and then trusting Jesus for the rest.  Sometimes I find it hard to understand why everyone doesn't just turn to Jesus, but I guess I did post a bunch of blogs on the topic of not believing!

So, what will eternal life be like for those that trust in Jesus? I'm not a big fan of those who claim to have had out of body experiences, or have visited heaven when they nearly died. Perhaps some are genuine but perhaps some are not.  I'm not sure what the next life will be like, but I do know I want to face it with Jesus, the one who I think is worth trusting, and who said the following:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."