As a thief breaks into a house and steals its glory, so do rust and moths to our earthly treasures, so do illnesses to our wellness, so does physical death to our earthly lives.
Two weeks ago I called a pastor in the community to check on his well-being. Then I learned from him that his house had gone on fire a few years ago. I literally wanted to cry when I heard the news. But then I glorify God for his mercy that no lives were lost in the fire. Though I was shocked about the event, and also glad that he and his family were ok, I didn’t find it worthy of any benefit to press for more details around the event. He shared with me what he wanted and that was enough for me. Yet, it is with tears that I am sharing it with you.
This morning I learned from another colleague some of the details and I just shook my head in disappointment. A thief broke into the house while they were away, did whatever he had in mind, and set the house on fire.
I glorify God for his mercy to cause the insurance company to care for this man’s family at least to some extent. He’s retired, I believe. The house is probably paid for.
I’m not sure if you’re able to grasp any of what I just shared. Christ said it better than I ever could:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Christ didn’t come to assure that our earthly houses and treasures wouldn’t be set on fire. He didn’t come to protect our earthly treasures from rust, moths, and thieves. Christ came give us eternal life, hold on to it for us in full security against thieves, rust and moths.
As John once wrote:
“Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:10-13)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Does that make sense to you? It does to me. I pray and hope that it does to you as well sooner than later, so that you can know Jesus for who he is and what he did to you and for you to bring you God’s love.
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
Jesus is the well of the living water, the Holy Spirit. 