Meditation: What is the greatest joy and treasure we could possibly possess? The Lord Jesus promises that those who seek God and his kingdom will not be disappointed (Luke 12:32, Matthew 6:33). The Lord Jesus offers us the greatest treasure possible - but we must first seek it and make it our true joy and possession above all else. We naturally want to have and keep whatever we think will bring us happiness, peace, and security. Jesus offers a priceless treasure and source of abundant joy and security that is worth selling all else for.
The priceless exchange and everlasting reward
Jesus tells his followers to not be fearful or anxious about their present lives and future security (Luke 12:32). He urges them to sell their possessions and to give their money to those who need it most - especially those who have nothing to provide for their present needs and welfare (Luke 12:33). This seems to go against our natural instinct to hoard and save for the future. Why would anyone want to sell their possessions and give away their money - unless they wanted to exchange these goods for something far more precious and of greater value than all the money and possessions they could ever hope to acquire in this present life.
Jesus warns that money and possessions will not last and can be taken away at any moment by a thief or by death itself. But there is one treasure which can never be lost or destroyed because it is kept secure by God himself. What is that treasure? It is the Lord himself and his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). This treasure is worth far more than anything we could possibly acquire on our own. If you make the Lord your treasure, then you will have in your possession the greatest source of joy and lasting peace and security. The wisdom of Scripture tells us, If the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight yourself in the Almighty , and will turn your face toward God (Job 22:25-26). Do you know the joy and happiness of making God your one and only true treasure and security?
The Lord knocks at our door - will we answer him?
What is the meaning of the parable of the master who returns from a wedding feast to his home in the middle of the night (Luke 12:35-40)? The door to one's house in the ancient world was usually bolted from the inside, especially at night to keep out thieves and troublemakers. It was not possible to enter from the outside without help from someone inside. Household attendants (domestic servants) who knew their master's voice were expected to be always vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required an attentive watchfulness and listening ear for any sign of the master's approach. No distraction, not even sleep, could be allowed to interfere with the preparation for the master's return. If the servants failed to hear the voice of their master's return, they literally shut him out since he could not unbolt the door from the outside - only they could open the door from within and allow him to enter. Their failure to welcome and serve the master on his return brought shame and dishonor.
If the Lord Jesus knocked on your door today would you be ready and eager to receive him? He wants us to be prepared for his coming - today, tomorrow, at the hour of our departure from this life (our death), and when he comes again at the end of this present world to judge all the living and the dead. The Lord will reward those who have believed in him. The Lord Jesus knocks on the door of our heart each and every day. Do you listen to his word and receive it with trust and joy. The Lord calls to each one of us and he says, " Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will feast together " (Revelations 3:20). Do you hunger for the Lord and for the treasure of his kingdom?
The Lord comes to reward his faithful servants
Jesus' parable adds an unexpected reward for those who have faithfully served and watched for the master's return. When the master finally arrived home from the wedding feast at a late hour of the night, he did the unthinkable for his servants who were present to welcome and let him in. He then puts on a servant's apron and tells his servants to be seated at his own banquet table. Once they are all seated the master then personally waits on them and serves them with his own rich food and drink (Luke 12:37). Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best he has to offer - a royal feast fit for a king and his loyal subjects. Are you prepared to feast with the Lord at his banquet table?
Jesus' parable has an important lesson for each one of us. Just as Jesus was faithful and ready to obey his Father in everything - even to the point of laying down his life on the cross for us, we too are called to be faithful and obedient to the Lord's will for our lives. How can we grow in faithfulness and obedience to the Lord? The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit who frees us from pride and fear, so we can hear the Lord and embrace his way of love and faithfulness. If we fail, the Lord will not fail us. He gives strength to the weak and to those who turn to him with trust in his mercy and help. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with his Holy Spirit and with a holy desire to seek the Lord and his kingdom first above all else.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May there be nothing in this world that holds me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever.
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is located at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/