Good afternoon:
No sooner was the turkey whisked out of the oven, the mashed potatoes put in a serving bowl, the pumpkin pie cut, the table quickly cleared, than everyone rushed out the door to snag bargains before they were gone. At least that’s the impression I got from the media reports today. Is that what life is all about: quickly getting something done in order to hurry on to the next big thing? Does a fulfilling life mean trying to “do it all”? Do you ever sense a feeling of desperation in how our world madly goes from one event to the next looking for something bigger and better, and as soon as it is over, forgets all about it?
Can you picture the Apostle Paul putting everything else out of mind in order to concentrate on getting more things at the best deal? Instead he wrote: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Tim. 6:6-7). Peter was looking for more than bargains: “In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
There is nothing wrong with scouring the ads and hunting down a good buy. But let’s not lose our perspective on where it fits on the scale of importance. The things of this earth are only “things.” They are useful gifts from the Lord, but they can never fill the emptiness inside or provide lasting joy and fulfillment.
We don’t have to frantically rush from one store to the next to find what we need the most. The greatest treasure is there for all free of charge in God’s priceless Word. It assures us: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect….Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 3:18-21).
Sunday’s sermon text (1 Thess. 4:13-18) pulls our gaze away from this temporary world to the incredible things awaiting us at the resurrection and in the glory of the Lord’s presence. The best is yet to come!
Yours in Jesus,
Pastor
Your help in raking the church grounds tomorrow (Sat.) morning is welcome and very much appreciated. Bring rakes and tarps if you have them.
