Less is More
Jesus teaches a simple truth. Heavenly treasure is worth more than earthly treasure. When we let go of the immediate, we find the eternal.
“Please discern whose these are—the signet, and the cords, and the staff.” Judah acknowledged them, and said, “She is more righteous than I, because I didn’t give her to Shelah, my son...In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb.”
Genesis 38:25-27
Judah was quick to judge another until he realized that he was the one who had not done what was right. We judge because we think we know what is right and what is wrong. What if what we think we know is not what we need to know? Is it possible that Jesus has something new to teach us about how we are living?
“For I hope in you, Yahweh. You will answer, Lord my God. For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. Don’t forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don’t be far from me.”
Psalms 38:6, 9, 15, 18, 21
The Biblical pattern for transformation is tell the truth, change the way you think to align with how God thinks, and then your life changes. David starts with confession. He admits he knows he falls short and he apologizes. He turns to God rather than from God. Is there anything you need to confess today?
“A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth. Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good. Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."
Wisdom shares exactly the opposite of what one would expect. Isn't birth better than death? Isn't laughter better than sorrow? Isn't the beginning better than the end? The question we have to ask is why? Why are these better? How do each of these things affect our hearts and challenge us to think with a broader perspective? How can they move us from the immediate to the eternal?
“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death...‘Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” Then Hezekiah wept bitterly. “Go, and tell Hezekiah, ‘Yahweh, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life."
Isaiah 38:1-3, 5-6
It is the end for Hezekiah. Only it isn't. Why? How? He believes that God can extend his life. By faith and prayer Hezekiah lives fifteen more years. How can we embrace the faith of Hezekiah and pray boldly? How do you think Hezekiah lived during those last fifteen years? Undoubtedly it was with more appreciation for each day, joy in his heart, and focus on what matters.
“Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.” Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.” But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions."
Mark 10:2-5, 9, 17-22, 29-31, 42-43, 45, 47-48, 51-52
By all accounts the rich young ruler was an upstanding citizen. Except he really wasn't. Look at how he viewed Jesus. He saw him as a teacher with no authority rather than the King of his heart. He did nothing wrong, but he also did nothing right. He lived an avoidance faith, and in the end, he avoided the Kingdom of God.
Consider the promise he missed out on. Jesus promised him heavenly treasure and an up close and personal apprenticeship. How do you think the young ruler felt on his death bed? Did he regret not following? Was he happy he kept all his possessions or would he trade anything for the personal relationship with Jesus that he was offered. What would you do? What are you doing with your life? Do you trust Jesus with all that you have and all that you are? Today is a day to let go of anything that keeps you from being all in with the All in All.