the Rev. Henry Huenemann
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal (Matthew 6:20).
Bible Reading
Luke 12:6-20:Devotional
Not upon earth but in heaven we should lay up treasures for ourselves. Treasures laid up upon earth are very insecure, but treasures in heaven are perfectly safe. How do we lay up treasĀures in heaven? By doing good deeds in the name of Christ to the least of his brethren and sisters. The King shall say unto them on his right, "Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." And deeds done in faith in the name of the Lord shall not go unrewarded. Christ said to Peter, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." To the rich young man Jesus said, "Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." To his little flock Christ said, "Sell that ye have and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." And Peter tells us of an "inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." O what riches are stored up in heaven for us!
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, help us to remember that we have not earned the least part of our treasures in heaven, but that our whole heavenly inheritance is a gift of infinite grace, for which we cannot sufficiently thank Thee. Help us then by Jesus Christ to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruits of our lips, giving thanks to his name. May we never forget to do good and to communicate, to share our blessings with those who are in need, knowing that with such sacrifice Thou art well pleased. Hear us for Christ's sake. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Matt. 25:34ff; 10:42; 19:21; Luke 12.33; 1 Pet. 1:4, 5.
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