Not for Sale
Published in the Omaha World Herald’s “From the Pulpit”
August 7, 2022
Reverend Eric L. Jay
“not for sale”
Nine-percent inflation is hurting some of us more than others. We can all see it even if we don’t feel it’s pinch. Regardless of how you may or may not be affected by the current economic situation, it’s a good time to be reminded of what money can and cannot buy.
Money can buy a bed but not rest; a computer but not a brain; food but not satisfaction; beauty but not worth; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; sex but not love; knowledge but not wisdom; luxuries but not gratitude; amusement but not fulfillment; followers but not friends; obedience but not faithfulness; votes but not trust; religion but not righteousness; savings but not salvation.
The instability of our perishable riches affords us the opportunity to have our souls comforted by the only hope of eternity we have. “Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Jesus Christ appropriated these words to Himself as the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14) in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Economic uncertainty is a blessing when we allow it to dissolve the illusion of control we often cling to through our finances. There is only One who is in control; the One who gives us life and breath. The Good News is He has given us His sure word to cling to as that which will never pass away. Jesus said in Luke 12, “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? If God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”
Adding one hour to our life is a small thing!? Impossible for you and I who cannot know the time of our death from which to extend our life. For Jesus, however, the author of time, who died and rose again at the exact times (and in the exact way) He said He would, adding one hour takes only a word. Through faith in His death and resurrection that has paid for the sins of the world, Jesus has extended our life into all eternity with God. Seek His kingdom first because it can be found in Jesus! Trust Him with all that you are and have, for He has already secured for you the riches of heaven that no money can buy.