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Treasure in Heaven
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[January 06, 2011]
--"When Jesus heard
this, he said to him, 'There is still one thing lacking. Sell all
that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have
treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.' But when he (the rich
ruler) heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich."-Luke 18: 22
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Somewhere, sometime in the past, the decision was made that the best
way to celebrate Jesus birth was to give gifts. I do not know the
history of this practice but I do not believe it is ancient; rather
I suspect it is medieval. Nonetheless, it has arrived in this
world, been seized upon by Free Market Capitalism, and now, right
here in the United States, we celebrate Jesus' birth by showering
imported Chinese goods upon one another in an orgy of giving that
only increases by the year. And somehow, someway, nobody seems
bothered by this.
But consider the story of the Rich Ruler, a story which is common to
Matthew, Mark and Luke, and which would have been central to the
early church's identity. This passage encourages the opposite
practice from our Christmas experience. It is about the shunning of
wealth and possessions as an act of spiritual discipline. This
austerity then leads, according to Jesus, to the storing of
"treasure in heaven." I wish that this passage were the one which
is central to our lives as followers of Jesus during this time of
year, and I wish that we would approach this season with a spirit of
measured moderation, gratitude and charity. December is absolutely
the time to be celebrating Jesus Christ in our lives, and his
presence in this world. It is the time to give thanks for his life,
and to give thanks for all the blessings we have received. But does
it really have to be a season which is becoming better known for
getting all our businesses into the black? Does that have anything
to do with Jesus? He is a savior, not a salesman.
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Prayer: Holy God, this Christmas please help me to
follow Jesus with passion and enthusiasm, and help me to recognize
opportunities to give to others in ways that are reflective of his
teachings and ministry. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
[Phillip Blackburn, First Presbyterian Church]
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