Good morning everyone,
It was hard to ignore. This past week the eyes of millions were focused on one thing, a lottery prize of unbelievable proportions. The prospect of beating the odds and winning 1.5 billion dollars created a frenzy at even the most remote gas stations and convenience stores. People dreamed of how their lives would dramatically change for the better if they were the lucky winner. But really, it doesn’t even take an enormous lottery prize, does it? Haven’t you imagined what it would be like to have the money to be completely debt free and do whatever you would like without the limitations of what you can afford?
Sometimes it can be hard to envision anything better in life than having millions or billions of dollars. Yet wealth, even in extraordinary amounts, always disappoints those who trust in it for true happiness and security. They discover to their surprise that buying more and more gets old and routine, just like other earthly activities. And while the god of money promises peace of mind and carefree days, it turns out to be another of Satan’s lies. Often great wealth creates even greater fears and worries.
There is something better than all the billions of dollars in the world, and what’s more, it’s absolutely free! The Lord says: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!…Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare….Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live” (Is. 55:1ff.). God promises life, free of charge, not just a few years here on earth, but a new life with Him now which will carry over into eternity. There is absolutely no cost to us, because Jesus paid the price for all people with His death on the cross. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).
We don’t have to longingly dream of millions and billions, we already have a fortune beyond calculation in the forgiveness, peace, and life Jesus earned for us all. Let’s focus on that, and when others talk about their disappointment in not winning the lottery, share with them true riches. There is more than enough for all!
Tomorrow’s sermon text (Jn. 2:1-11) is the account of the wedding at Cana where we see Jesus showing Himself to be our Treasure who provides for both earthly and eternal needs.
Junior Choir will sing in first service.
The public school confirmation class will meet at 12:15.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor
