In the past few weeks, I have been addressing this subject of “Where is your investment?” I took my main text from Matthew 6:19-21: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (NLT). And I have shown you examples of some Bible characters whose investments were in heaven. These are Cornelius, Tabitha, David and the centurion. I will focus on two more examples today.
Moses
Moses had a correct understanding that any investment here on earth will not last. That was why he rejected the earthly office that he was being groomed for. Afraid of his crime of killing an Egyptian being found out, he fled Egypt. “It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:24-27 NLT). Moses was looking beyond becoming a Pharaoh. He considered that title as nothing. He was looking at something eternal. Many people would have considered him stupid abandoning the affluence of Pharaoh’s palace to become a shepherd serving his father-law. Many people would have given or done anything to become the next Pharaoh, an office Moses despised in order to lay his treasure in heaven. Today we know Moses but no one remembers the person who reigned in place of Moses.
The Magi
The Bible says the magi came from the east in search of Jesus. It wasn’t an easy journey. And it is significant they didn’t come to request for anything from him. They didn’t come in need of healing or any miracle. They purposely and humbly came to worship him. When they found Jesus where he was laid, the Bible says that they opened their treasures and offered gifts to him.? “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11 NLT). After doing this, the Bible does not say they requested for prayer. No. “When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod” (Verse 12). We never read about them again. Their mission was accomplished – to open their treasures and give him gifts. Are you opening your treasures to God or you’re closing them? Are you rich towards God – the needy, God’s cause on earth – or you’re tight fisted towards Him? Are you like Cornelius, David, the centurion, Tabitha or you’re like Ananias and Sapphira, the rich young ruler?
I am not saying that you should not have savings or not invest your money for the future. The Bible is not against this. What the Bible is against is storing up wealth here on earth without being generous towards God or other humans. Such people are selfish and think that they would leave forever to enjoy their wealth like that rich man in Luke 12:16-21 who had an unexpected bountiful harvest from his fertile farm and God killed the same night he announced his selfish plan of how to enjoy it. Hear what God says in verse 21: “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” This is exactly what I am saying. In the words of God’s servant, A.W. Tozer? (of blessed memory). “No human being regardless of talents and possessions and status, has yet won a final victory over his sentence of temporality and mortality.”
?I am not saying you should empty your purse and give to the pastor or to the church towards her building project or any project for that matter. I am not saying you should take from your business the principal and profit and give it to the poor. No. God knows that you have legitimate personal responsibilities – your children, family, etc. God gives us both seed and bread. Eat your bread and sow your seed.
Don’t sow your bread; don’t eat your seed either. What I am saying is that there is a portion from God’s provision to you that you are free to eat, and don’t feel condemned or allow anyone to condemn you as you responsibly eat it. But there is also the portion that God expects you to give to Him – your tithe and offerings, giving to His work, His servants, the needy and other people. This you must give – don’t shy away from this because of your need. Your seed is the solution to your need. “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NLT).
I want to thank you for sharing your time with me today. I believe God has spoken to your heart. I will have to stop here today and conclude this message next week. Begin to store up your treasures in heaven today.
wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you.