April 29, 2018 - Inscriptions From The Heart

April 29, 2018
Jereecah dela Cruz
 

“All of life is worship, whether you worship God or something else, your life advertises what you value most”. (Desiring God on Twitter)

Matthew 19:16-30 talks about wealth and the kingdom of heaven. The passage includes a discussion between Jesus and a rich young man who claimed to be righteous. The young man asked what he needed to do to have an eternal life in heaven. Jesus responded by, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

For the past two weeks the passage of Matthew 19:16-30 has been constantly repeating in my mind. During my quiet time I have been wrestling with the thoughts of my calling and being in the state of honesty of whether my desires align with God’s plan. I have stumbled upon many realizations during my reflection. To pursue the glory of God is to live in constant state of obedience. When we are called to expand the kingdom of God, we do not choose where or when, but rather how. How do we exemplify that to live is Christ and to die is gain? Ask yourself, when God calls you out, are you prepared to follow? Following Christ means tearing down the wall between you and the will of God, coming forth in the condition of humility and honesty, surrendering your afflictions and wholeheartedly trusting that His plans are far better than what we perceive. It is a beautiful thing when God invites us to step out and relentlessly pursue His kingdom. He invites us to give us the opportunity to know what it’s like to be satisfied in the presence of our submission to Him, and to feel a sense of fulfilment through obeying His will. My brothers and sisters remember this; everything that is not eternal is worthless in eternity. Choose to seek God’s will, rather than our worldly desires, and above all else die to yourself daily. 

My prayer for our church is that may we always constantly live in the state of obedience to God. When the author of life calls you to step out, be prepared to build, expand and glorify. Regardless of what you have to leave behind, know that the price is worth every sacrifice that you have to make in order to fulfill God’s will. “In whatever season you find yourself, hold firmly to the truth that Christ is and will always be enough. (Philippians 4:19). He is a greater treasure than anything else this world can give. Sometimes, it may take losing everything on this earth to truly come to believe that with every ounce of our being”. Though we are underserving, God has prepared a place for us in heaven. The reward of having to worship God in eternity is far greater than having all of the treasures on earth.  

“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.