Wanting more
It is simply fallen human nature, even pre-fallen human nature, to want something from God or from others. That’s why we like birthdays and Christmas. What am I gonna get? Sure, we get joy out of giving to others, but down deep, like any kid, ‘what is under the tree for me?’ Do you mainly remember the gifts you gave or got? Be honest! Think soberly about the first family. They were living in perfect harmony with God; they had everything they needed, their future was set, ordained by the creator God, and lo and behold, it appears they wanted more. Can you identify with them?
It’s like the Texas ranch owner who had tens of thousands of acres. He was asked, ‘just how much land do you really want?’ His answer was, ‘only the land next to mine’. See, it is never-ending, our appetite for ’more’. It’s like the old bumper sticker, ‘he who ends up with the most toys wins’. One has to ask the question, ‘when is enough, enough?’ I just read where a luxury goods tycoon just passed two others to become the richest man in the world at $186.3 B. So, what about you and me? Are we failures, are we destined for poverty, where did we go wrong?
Promises from God
This recent article started me thinking about what really is important. What will bring me the greatest joy? What do I treasure most from God? Scripture tells us clearly that all good and perfect gifts come from above. So, name yours! As I was reciting one of the Psalms, I was reminded of this beautiful set of promises. Psalm 16 is chocked full of them. And boy are they special.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (vss. 8-11)
Do you see the temporal and eternal gifts from trusting God?
· No matter what comes your way, you will not be moved from your faith
· You will have a glad heart
· You will rejoice in God’s glory
· Your fallen flesh will actually have a hopeful rest
· Your soul will not remain separated from God, now and for eternity
· The Lord will guide you in the path of life
· In his presence your joy will be full, actually, overflowing
· And you will have pleasures forevermore at the right hand of God
By grace alone
Is that worth $186 billion? Well, to be truthful, you can’t buy it for any price. No money in the world can ever acquire these. They are only available by grace. Jesus is your treasure for all time. The cross and empty tomb assured us of all these and more. And by trusting in the gospel, we are a recipient, not earned or deserved. And if these were not enough, listen to the Spirit through Paul. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1.3). Is there anything more you could possibly want from God? He gave his all, that we might have it all! What a Lord, King, Master and Savior. Hallelujah!
