Today's readings are Exodus 19.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ex.+19.1-25 ) and Hebrews 13.1-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Heb.+13.1-21 ).
We're surrounded with all sorts of things. Good things, bad things, indifferent things. If you have lived in the same location for more than a year or two, it is very likely that you have things that you don't remember, haven't used for a long time, and probably will never use again. We have keepsakes, treasures, and junk, probably all mixed together. When is the last time you looked through a filing cabinet and found things you put away in case you would need them later? And how about that drawer, which is probably located in the kitchen of almost every house in the world - affectionately called the "junk drawer"? Did you ever wonder why the garage that you never use to park a car and which you hardly ever enter needs cleaning because it is full of things? Did you ever observe what can happen to a desk or workstation while you are away from the job for a week or two? It seems we have a never ending collection of stuff.
Again, some of the things we collect are useful, even valuable. There are many things around my workspace that I use on a daily basis and that I would have trouble doing without. I work long and hard to earn the money that keeps me and my family in a house, current on our obligations, and allows us to save a little and give a to those in need. I try to save money on big and small expenses because it is a lot of work to earn more money. It's a lot easier to avoid buying something than to earn money to buy it. And there is a seemingly endless list of things in this world which cost money and which we won't have without money. Many of them are good things. And good things are decidedly, well, good.
But how often are we ruled by a desire for more good things? While I'm not saying that it is a good thing to live in poverty, to be lacking in comforts, adequate and interesting food, good things to drink and wear, and countless other trappings of our society without which we would find life decidedly less pleasant, we are not to be ruled by that desire. If only I had (fill in the name of the electronic gadget), then I would be able to enjoy myself. If only my children could (fill in the activity), then they would be happy and fulfilled. Even within the local church. If only we did (name the program) then we would have a (bigger, more spiritual, relevant, you name it) congregation.
Hebrews 13.5 (ESV) says "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
We have Jesus. What riches we have! There is no greater wealth in heaven or on earth. In Christ Jesus the riches of God have been poured out upon us. In Christ we have no fear of condemnation. In Christ's real presence with us we know that we will be protected from all true harm. Trusting in the salvation our Lord has purchased for us we know that he will bring us safely to our heavenly reward where we will be ensconced with him in the riches of heavenly bliss. There is nothing better. There is no greater enjoyment than to see real godliness and to know Christ's presence. My children will never be happier than when they know that God is faithful and Jesus is with them. Our local church will never be happy with a program, it needs a person, Jesus. And he will never leave us. That's why we baptize people into Christ - he will not forsake them. That's why we claim that Jesus is very really and truly with us in the divine worship. He has promised that he is with us. That's why we make disciples, teaching them to obey the Lord. He is with us and loves it when we love and trust him. And we show that love and trust as we obey him, desiring that he will cleanse us and change our heart. Jesus is with us. He will never leave us. He will never forsake us. We need nothing else.
Need fries with that? No. But I think I'll have some anyway.
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