It is undoubtedly the most amazing “Rags to Riches” story of all time. We follow the descent of Jesus from heaven to earth to humility to humiliation to death and now, exalted to the highest place (Phil. 2:5-11). What’s more remarkable is that He shares the riches of His glory with us who at one time were the ones who put Him to death (Rom. 5:5-8; 2 Cor. 8:9). We are heirs together with Him. So many people are working for what perishes and what will pass away (1 Tim. 6:6-10). What Jesus counsels, however, is that we let our focus always be on “laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-21). How do we do that?
Know that what Jesus purchased for you is worth far more than anything here on this earth. Jesus paid the price for an insurmountable debt that we owed to God (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus took the punishment we should have faced upon Himself (Rom. 3:25). Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:9). Jesus ransomed us from sin unto Himself (1 Tim. 2:6). These amazing thoughts alone ought to give us pause when we begin to think that this world and its riches are passing us by. What heavenly value is there in our sins being “remembered no more” (Heb. 8:12)? How should that change the values with which we live our lives?
Use our time, our talents, and our all to bear fruit to God. The Lord uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to talk about the relationship between Himself and His disciples (John 15:1-8). As we keep connected to the True Vine, the Lord promises that we will live the “abundant life” (John 10:10). The abundant life is that we have access to God’s storehouse of spiritual blessings and riches which He provides richly through Jesus (Eph. 1:3). As we follow the Spirit, we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Our lives will be abundantly blessed now and in heaven as we are ones who look like the Lord to Whom we are connected!
Keep your eyes on the glorious future waiting for you. Most people can do anything if they know there is a reward waiting at the end. To suffering Christians, the apostle Peter writes about their “fiery trial” and persecution to give them hope. Right out of the gate in 1 Peter 1, Peter reminds them they’ve got an “inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that doesn’t fade away, reserved in heaven” waiting for them (1 Pet. 1:3-4). The importance of singing songs about God, praying prayers to God, and reading promises from God about our heavenly home will ensure we always look beyond this life to our treasure in the life to come (2 Tim. 4:8).
Serve the risen Jesus joyfully and enjoy a rich relationship with Him and His people. Our Savior was poor in this life and was laid in a borrowed tomb. Yet now He sits as the King of glory haven given assurance of His resurrection and the certainty of His return (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 1:8-ff). What “setting our minds above” and “laying up riches in heaven” show us is that our Lord is alive and everything we have rests with Him. We enjoy rich fellowship with Him and with the Father. Also, we also enjoy a rich fellowship with His family, the church (1 John 1:1-4). Consider that the riches we enjoy in heaven will be directly tied with the Lord who IS there and His people who WILL BE there (Rev. 19:6-9; 20:11-15).
-Andy Baker