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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Treasure in Heaven

 

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[December 30, 2010]   --"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

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. 

 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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