- 11 hours ago
We continue to explore Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. As Jesus spoke to His disciples and followers, He illuminated the souls of His listeners. His words pierced their hearts, as well as ours. He challenges us to focus on what lasts forever, the eternal, rather than the temporary things of this world. People at that time had their own temptations; indeed, they didn't have the Internet or TV, and all the temptations that have eroded the character of many, but they faced challenges that ensnared their hearts in deep darkness. I think that if they were able to glimpse the future and see our lives today, with all the possessions of the 21st century—even among believers—they would be shocked. It's likely they would find our lives so complicated and filled with various distractions that it would seem incredible to them that sin has found acceptance in our culture. I wonder how many from those days would trade their lives, if given the chance, for a life in the 21st century.
President Ferdinand Marcos became the president of the Philippines in 1965, crediting his wife, Imelda, as the one who swung the election in his favor. Imelda was admired by many of the country's poor, perhaps because she had been a beauty queen in her younger years. The Philippines faced significant economic hardship after the Marcos government allegedly stole an estimated 5-10 billion dollars from the country, earning the Guinness World Record for the greatest robbery of a government. After mass protests in 1986, Ferdinand agreed to step down as president. The couple soon fled to Hawaii, where they spent years in exile. Imelda left many of her belongings behind at Malacañang Palace, prompting the press to report on her vast wardrobe extensively. Imelda’s shoe collection reportedly totaled 3,000 pairs. Her wardrobe also included 15 mink coats, 508 gowns, 888 handbags, and a bulletproof bra. Many of Imelda’s shoes are on display at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila.[1] I wonder how many of those who gained great riches ever reflect on a wasted life and vain pursuits. It was Johann Goethe who said, "A wasted life is an early death." The most important thing one can leave behind is the impact they have had on the lives of others. This was the focus of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount—making an impact on those around you by the quality of your character, your relationship with God, as well as your relationships with others.
In our recent meditations from Matthew 6:1-18, we examined the Lord’s encouragement for us to maximize our rewards for the end of the age when the Harvest of the Earth arrives (Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15). In Matthew 6, verses 19-34, the Lord continues this theme, highlighting the kinds of actions we can take that can influence our eternity and that of those around us. We can become so focused on happiness in this life that we forget to invest in our eternal well-being. The pursuit of happiness is one of our core values as Americans, but should one's life be spent solely on serving ourselves and seeking our own happiness? How many shoes did Imelda acquire before she became "happy," if ever she did? Should we chase the things of this world for temporary comfort? I propose that our pursuit, especially if you are a follower of Christ, is the glory of God—Jesus said we are to lose our self-life and follow His example. “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work (John 4:34). What the Lord is saying is that the food that truly satisfies Him on the inside is to do God’s will. If that is true for Him, how much more for those who walk with Him? There should be no regrets for the children of God as they approach their twilight years. On your deathbed, as you look back over your life, may it be full of anticipation of beholding Christ and receiving your reward. Keith Thomas.
This meditation is from the complete study found at the following link: https://www.groupbiblestudy.com/engsermon/5.-laying-up-treasure-in-heaven