Jesus is the treasure map.
What does that evenmean? I don't think Jesus is leading me to treasure. I think he claims to be the treasure - my souls true longing.
In Created to Flourish, a book on Christian micro-enterprise development, I was recently challenged to consider giving to ministry with my talents, time, and treasure.
Talents? Sure. That's not so hard. I like kids, I help with children's ministry. I like music, I help lead the worship tema.
Time? Okay... A bit harder for me, but not so bad. Driving to Lancaster for an internship seems sometimes like a sacrifice of time, but He's given me such a beautiful ride each day. (Example below)
Treasure? Ouch.
I just don't want to give in that way most days. Giving up my treasure would be, for me, giving up living close to home if the Lord asks me to leave. And I talk about it like I'd be willing, but often I'm just hoping it doesn't happen.
So I've been feeling pretty convicted lately.
I've also been listening to John Piper sermons. Which usually leads to more conviction. He really hits the nail on the head when he talks about God satisfying all that is in us, and calling Christians to give up their treasures all for the sake of His glory- to seriously think about the cost and take up the cross to go share that Glory with those who never before heard the name 'Jesus'.
Listening to him talk about the life of Adoniyrum Judson just made me feel a bit ridiculous about the selfishness in my heart that keeps me close to home. That man lost two wives and many children to sickness in Burma (what is now Myanmar, borders Thailand). He risked losing the treasure of his family for greater treasure, the riches found in Christ.
The Cost of Discipleship says "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die."
There's this great piece of encouragement that came my way yesterday, though. Someone urged me to think about 'context'.
When I consider my story in the context of His story, it is a whole lot easier to take the changes, and the callings that come along the way. It is a whole lot easier to say 'yes'. It's a whole lot easier to trust.
When I forget the context, I focus so much on my individual story and not on the eternality of His purposes. I fail to see all that He his working.
And His story is so good! It's in every story, really.
In Cinderella, it's the girl who isn't even entitled to an invitation to the ball but becomes the bride of the Prince and the daughter of the King.
In Narnia, it's Aslan laying himself down knowing that the law prophesies his resurrection to the redemption of the traitor, Edmund.
In Hogwarts, it's Harry sacrificing himself to kill Voldemort, so saving the world and coming back to life because of the protection his mother's love had put on him.
There's just nothing better than sacrificial love, which is what he is calling me to in the gentle prodding to give up my time, talent, and treasure.
Search and see the huge, millennia long context of your story.
Do you see Him? How do you see Him? Where do you see Him?
He's trying to show you the riches of His plan, to help you treasure Him.
Do you see Him? How do you see Him? Where do you see Him?
He's trying to show you the riches of His plan, to help you treasure Him.
