Hello All,
(Just a general disclaimer that I must insert here at the beginning. I am but a lay person, like most of you. And these weekly “thoughts” are but my own. Not the definitive word on this or any topic. Just my own conclusions derived from my own study and faith in God. The greatest hope I have for these weekly “thoughts” is to have them be a springboard for further study on your part. Not to be a weekly treatise to be blindly accepted. So, please read them with this intent, this motive in mind).
This week’s lesson from “The Adult Sabbath School Guide” is titled “Laying up Treasure in Heaven”. The title of this lesson begs a couple questions.
- “What is the treasure in heaven”?
2. “What does it mean to lay-up treasure there”?
Let’s look at the first question: What is the Treasure in Heaven?
- Matthew 6: 19-21. As I read this, I wondered what the “treasure in heaven” really was. Do I stand outside and throw money toward heaven? Is it the tithe and offerings we pay? What is it and how to do it? As a general rule, it is often helpful to look at other verses that discuss the same topic under consideration to gather depth of meaning. Often, these verses cover the same topic in different ways.
- Hebrews 11: 24-26. Here the treasures in Egypt (or earthly treasure) is contrasted with “the reproach of Christ”. Obviously, “the reproach of Christ” is linked to “treasure in heaven”, which is the opposite of earthly treasure.
- 1 Peter 4: 12-16. Hmmm. We can suffer censure, criticism and worse if we value “the reproach of Christ”. I wonder what “the reproach of Christ” is?
- Romans 15:3. The “reproach of Christ” has something to do with not pleasing yourself. Let’s look at what Christ was reproached for. What Jesus was reproached for is what we are to be reproached for. According to the dictionary, to reproach someone is to disapprove of that person, or to accuse them of fault.
- Luke 5: 30-32. The Jews accused Christ of associating with sinners.
- Luke 7: 33-34. Ditto.
- Luke 15: 2. Same.
- Luke 19: 7. Accusations of associating with sinners. Implying Christ liking sinners.
- Matthew 19: 21. Here is Christ’s definition of the treasure in heaven and of His reproach. Sell what you have, give to the poor.
- Mark 10: 21. Sell what you have, take up the cross. This is the treasure in heaven. Loving sinners!
- Mark 12: 28-31. No commandment greater than love.
- Matthew 25: 31-40. Love is the determiner.
- The treasure in heaven is to love sinners on earth… not loving self. All of Heaven lives to love sinners on earth. Our God came to this earth and died because of love for sinners on this earth.
- The true treasure is love… love for sinners.
Second Question: But what does it mean to lay-up treasure there?
- Matthew 22:39 – Love Thy neighbor as thyself. Meaning, to do what is right for your neighbor and what is equally right for you. Treat your neighbor and yourself with respect. To actively love sinners even as you love yourself. This is what it is to lay-up treasure in heaven. For the treasure in heaven is…. born-again sinners. The treasure is people. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20). As you actively love, you will win souls for heaven. You are to “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home” (Luke 16:9). This is what it means to lay-up treasure in heaven. The true heavenly treasure is others... and you. And all you have and all you are is to be consecrated and devoted to this cause.
With brotherly love,
Jim