Our text for today is Matthew 6:19-21:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I’ll never forget where I was when I heard the doctor say, “I wish I had better news for you.” I didn’t write those words down, yet I remember them as though I did. Some things are burned into your memory. These words brought bad news. I’m sure that is a line the doctor hates to say, but all too often does. For me, it all worked out, but not everyone is so fortunate. What we all want to hear is good news!
We are always happy to hear the doctor say, “Your test results are back and everything looks great,” Maybe you’ve heard this bit of good news, “You’re debt-free and have now paid off all your loans.”
It used to be that the American dream was to own one’s own home, but it has been replaced by this piece of good news. “You’ve won the lottery and are now a millionaire.”
Since I was a teenager, I have known the words of Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” The word “Gospel” in that verse actually means “Good news.” The Gospel is “Good News.”
If everyone loves good news, why doesn’t everyone want to hear the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Maybe it is because we get so wrapped up in the here and now so that the promise of eternity seems too distance.
I leave you with a quote from a wise man who said, “The future depends on what you do today.”
Lonnie Davis