THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
| Name Your Treasure In the teaching that the Lord Jesus gave to his disciples found in the passage below, we hear Jesus Christ teach that we have a definite need to identify that which we treasure most. In order to examine your treasure before the Lord, and seek ways to align your goals and values with those of the Lord, you must be able to articulate that which you most value. Listen again to this calling from Jesus: “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.”Matthew 6:19-21 NIV11 What If? As we think through the options for treasures in our lives, we might be tempted to simply name those things that are most esteemed by society. We might say that we treasure our families, our work, our friends, our pastimes and our belongings, but these may not actually be what you hold most dear in life. What if you looked at your schedule? What would it tell you about your treasure? Sure, we all have to work, sleep, eat and make the rounds with family and friends, but how do you invest those times when you are alone or have a little space to do as you wish without interference? What about your wallet? What does it tell you about your treasure? We all spend more than we want on housing, food, fuel, transportation, education, and the list goes on. But when you look at your financial history, is there any evidence that you are investing in the Kingdom of God? Are you generous to the work of the Lord, or does God get the occasional flip of the coin? Actual We can see the truth about our actual treasure when we are honest about where we spend our time, our energies, and our dollars. These outward markers tell us the truth about whether or not we are holding the Kingdom of God as a true priority. God’s Treasure If we were to look at the outward displays of God’s values and priorities as we read his Word, we would begin to get a better idea of what the Lord holds out as his treasure. Below you will find a passage from the book of Exodus in which the Lord speaks to the people of Israel about their place in God’s heart. This message was given before the Israelites had received the law, and therefore had any hope of following the as yet unknown commands of the Lord: “Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.”Exodus 19:3-8 NIV11 סְגֻלָּה – Segulah In verse five the Lord tells his people that he has selected them from out of all the earth. This is not due to their nature, traits, or special abilities, but due to the sovereign will of the Lord. Before the people could impress the Lord, or keep his commands, the Lord made sure they knew that they were his treasure. The Hebrew word that is translated as “special treasure” in verse five is that of “Segulah”. This word signifies a very special form of treasure. It is used when speaking of a special treasure that lies within a larger treasure. This is like a secret safe inside the king’s vault. This treasure is the most important of all. You Are Treasure What we learn in this declaration of the Lord is that his faithful people are his treasure. The Lord knows what his treasure is and it is you. All of the Lord’s actions teach us that we are his treasure and that he loves us and cares for us more than we can possibly appreciate. As you think about your own treasure today, remember that you are God’s treasure. You are special because the Lord declares you to be. As this sinks in, your treasure will be exposed as being either part of this world or part of the Lord’s will. Don’t hold onto treasure that is not befitting one who is the special treasure of the Lord God Almighty. In Christ,Ryan Laden |
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