Jesus' Treasure

2/26/14

Dear City Calvary,

When I was a boy, my father read to me the novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.  It's the story of young Jim Hawkins, a boy who happens to come upon a pirate's treasure map.  He takes the map to men he trusts - Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawaney.  Believing this to be the map of the famous pirate, late Captain Flint, they purchase a schooner (the Hispaniola), hire the captain & crew, and head off in search of the illustrious treasure.  Little do they know that some of the crew, led by Long John Silver (pretending to be the cook), are actually pirates who are scheming to take the treasure for themselves and kill the others.  After many days, the Hispaniola arrives at Treasure Island and the fight begins.  At one point, Livesey, Trelawney, and their loyal crewmen move into an abandoned stockade.  Long John Silver and his gang show up at the fort, demanding the good guys surrender.  They refuse, to which Silver famously says "Them that die'll be the lucky ones."  A battle ensues and people do die, more fighting, more death and finally our heroes win, taking the treasure back with them to England and living happily ever after (you would think).

In James 5:1-6, James deals with treasure.  He focuses on some of the wealthy in the church who have acted like pirates.  They cheated people, condemned innocent men, and hoarded their treasure; so James confronts them and speaks words of serious judgement over them.  In fact he writes "This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgement."  What a lesson for all of us.  God didn't create us so that we could just gather as much earthly treasure as possible, selfishly spending it on ourselves during this temporary life.  He created us for so much more - to know, glorify, and serve Him forever.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in a steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Be generous, trust and obey Jesus, and serve Him with a joyful heart.

Also, wait patiently.  You see, we are Jesus treasure (Matthew 13:44) and He is coming back for us.  So wait patiently.  How do we do that?  Come to church this Sunday and find out as we look at James 5:7-12.  May The Lord encourage you as you finish your week.

Blessings in Jesus,

Pastor John