Taking Care of Ashes

Matthew 6:1-24 Jesus tells us not to lay up treasures on this earth where moth and rust corrupt and where thieves break in and steal; instead we are to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust will not corrupt, and where thieves will not break through to steal. Whatever we treasure is what we give our heart and soul to keep. This exhortation of Jesus caused me to examine my own life and ask myself these questions: “Where is my treasure? Is it on earth, or is it in heaven?”

I discovered the answer to this question when I was touring Israel. Our tour was at Megiddo, and we were observing the twenty or more layers of civilization. Each civilization was reduced to little more than one inch of ash. As I looked at this amazing phenomenon, the Lord spoke this to my heart:

Why do you spend so much time taking care of ashes?

I realized how much of my time is spent tending earthly things that will ultimately burn. I was challenged to invest my life into three eternal things—faith, hope and love. These will last forever because they represent the eternal soul of Jesus—His mind, emotions and will. Jesus’ mind was filled with faith, His emotions were anchored in hope, and His will was motivated by His love for His heavenly Father.

When I invest in growing in faith, hope and love, I am laying up for myself treasures in heaven. When I go to heaven there are a few things I can take with me. I will take my soul and spirit, the Word of God I have hidden in my heart, the prayers I have prayed on earth and the people I have witnessed to. These glorious treasures will increase in the exact measure that I increase in faith, hope and love. We are exhorted in Psalm 2 to ask for the heathen, and God will give them to us as our inheritance. What more rewarding treasure could there be than to meet someone in heaven who is there because you witnessed in word and deed to him? Are you adding to your inheritance daily?

Let this be your prayer today:

Lord, there is only one stock market that is reliable. That stock market is Your kingdom, because only Your kingdom is unmovable, unshakable and eternal. Help me today to invest in kingdom things—Your Word, growing in faith, hope and love, sharing Your gospel and love with others, and praying.

READ: Genesis 16:1-18:19; Matthew 6:1-24; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 2:1-5