Today’s scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robin Herman):
When I have read this scripture in the past, I thought it was just another poetic idea that I would not be able to do. Another “give away everything you have and follow the Lord” kind of thing. It’s an idea much more noble than I am, and another way in which I might not live up to God’s expectations.
Losing a pet is so hard. Grandparents are hard to lose too. After losing a couple dogs who were my soul mates, and a couple Grandparents, I read the verse a bit differently. Now it says to me, that what I treasure (love) will be in heaven. Stored safely in heaven, awaiting me. . . If I store them in my heart, they will be with me in heaven.
This short verse has answered so many questions and laid many fears to rest. Why am I here? What is the purpose? What is my purpose? What’s in heaven, what will it be like?
But there’s one thing I’m not so sure about. I lost my father several years ago. He drank for as long as I can remember. As the alcohol took more control of his life, he drifted farther from God, from love, from searching for what’s right. I don’t ever remember him as a religious man, but we went to church for a couple years when I was younger. My Mom, and her Mom are Christians, always have been. One time my Dad was at my house and saw a book about the Bible on my coffee table. He gave me a look like, “You’re not going over to their side, are you?” I shrugged it off, partly in pity for him, and partly in fear for me.
When he died, it occurred to me that I might not ever see him again. Not even in heaven. He quit drinking three months before he died, but I hadn’t seen any reconstruction of a religious belief. His death was unexpected, so I’m not sure he had the right motivation to really deal with things.
I’m not sure how to reconcile this verse with my father. So much of conventional Christianity would tell me that he is not going to heaven. To my knowledge, there was no epiphany, no regrets, no asking of forgiveness. But for me, he is one of my treasures. How do I store him in heaven?
Thought for the day: Spend your time on the things you’ll have for eternity, not just this lifetime. Love just might be able to fix the world.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
A message from Pastor Jeff for those who live far from our Church