[reprinted from July 25, 2011 The lectionary texts referenced are from 2011. The lectionary for March 17, 2012 will be tomorrow’s devotion. – Jody]
He [Jesus] said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.†       Matthew 13:52 (HCSB)
The lectionary this week for me was all about how God is so extravagant. Will I see it?
Genesis 29 tells me about Jacob and the deception of his father-in-law in giving Jacob his eldest daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob had to work 14 years to pay that bride price. He may have wondered why God allowed this to happen. Through these two women, Jacob had 12 sons. Extravagant.
Psalm 105 is a praise song for God’s promises and His faithfulness to His promises. We may often say that if we do not remember history we are destined to repeat our mistakes. I believe the other side of the truth coin is that if we do not take the time to remember God’s promises we may forget He made them and forget to look for the fulfillment of His promises. Psalms shows me how important my prayer journal is. Recording my conversations with God and then seeing how He answered my cries, that is a faith builder.
Romans 8:26-39 is a passage that I love to read. Today I read it in a translation that is different than my usual NIV. Every time I read this passage I end up in tears or with my hands up in a victory dance as I am overwhelmed with how much God loves me.
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? (v. 31 The Message)
absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. (v. 39 The Message)
Are you willing to stop and know the embrace of Jesus?
God has blessed me with many treasures in my life. They are as tangible as my family and as intangible as the relationship that He has grown us in to. These treasures aren’t objects that will become dusty or grow mold. No, they are the kind that will last forever. They are riches beyond my imagination. God did not intend for me to lock His treasures away in my personal vault. They are to give away to others through how I live my life, how I share with others, and how I can encourage others in their relationship with God. I won’t be ‘lighter’ in what I have because Jesus wants to continue to meet with me and give me more. His gifts are never-ending.
I hope you will take time to read some of these passages and receive the treasures that God has for you through His words. Find out that His loves endures forever.
His Love Endures Forever written and sung by Chris Tomlin
