Issue 827 – Abandoned Treasure – August 16, 2022
The old wreck had once been a work of art. She was made of fine hardwood, and the remnants of brass fittings could still be seen in places. I imagined her in her prime, sleek and polished, cutting through the waves to the joy of her owner.
Now she was nothing more than a few boards that hardly resembled a boat. She sat well on shore, with trees growing through her, her once proud hardwood covered in moss and lichens and rotting away.
I wondered how she had come to be there. Had she been in a wreck and damaged beyond repair? Had an owner no longer interested in sailing her abandoned her? If so, why hadn’t he simply sold her? There is no way of knowing.
Some time later, I talked with the owner of the property. The wreck had been there for at least the thirty years he lived there. An old homestead had once been on the property. The current owner did not know what happened to the original owners or why the boat had been abandoned. He had tried to find out once, only to run into dead ends.
Like the old boat, our bodies will eventually lose their usefulness. We will leave them behind, leaving a brief record of our passing, but all knowledge of us will disappear in time.
People invest incredible amounts of time and money in leaving an earthly legacy. They want desperately to let those that follow them know they were here.
Some even succeed for a while. Eventually, though, even the wealthiest person with the most marvellous legacy is forgotten. That is the way life is.
There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. Ecclesiastes 1:11
Christians are called to concentrate on building their treasures in heaven.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
What treasure can we take to build an eternal legacy in heaven? Certainly not gold, silver or real estate. We cannot take monuments with us. What can we store up?
We can store up two things. Firstly, we can take our obedience with us so that Jesus welcomes us with a “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Secondly, we can look forward to seeing the souls of those saved because of our obedience. It will be a joy to see those who are there because we gave to a ministry, loved someone or shared the gospel with them. That kind of treasure and legacy will never fade.
What will you leave behind? Will it be a treasure that time forgets or a person who will rejoice forever with you in the presence of Christ?
Until next time, may your treasure be stored up in anticipation of your arrival in glory.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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