The Rock of Gibraltar, a near timeless sentinel of permanence and stability, stands as an icon of security. Knowing that people need security, Jesus offers us a greater security than even the apparent timeless stability of an enormous monolith. He counsels us to lay up our treasure in heaven where nothing could rob or destroy our deposit (Matthew 6:19-24).
However, Jesus knew his teaching could inspire fear. We can be reticent to trust in what we cannot see. To counteract such fear and to provide us with good reasons for embracing his guidance, Jesus outlined three key truths:
- We can see how God provides for lesser forms of life.
- God, who values us more than them, knows what we need in order to live.
- Jesus promised that God will provide what we need if we will seek his righteousness and kingdom.
The implicit conclusion is we do not need to hoard up in order to take care of ourselves. This promise frees us to use our resources to bless others thus laying up treasure in heaven. Jesus’ teaching boils down to trusting in God to provide for what we need for tomorrow as we bless those around us today.
Jesus acknowledged the people of the world do not live his way. Rather, by depending upon what self is able to acquire, worry consumes their hearts in the pursuit of securing what is needed for today and tomorrow.
We are right to expect an unchanging monolith to exist tomorrow. Even more so, we can count on the Son of God’s promise. God will provide what people need, if they will seek what is the right and serve God’s kingdom.
One day the Rock of Gibraltar will be gone. Jesus’ promise will still be standing! After all, our God is the Creator of everything that is and of what we need. Deposits in heaven are secure with God.
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