My wife and I lived in or visited many of the capitals of the world. Each of those places have museums that showcase their valuable treasures. They are proud to show off their best and the crowds are anxious to look at things they can never possess. My wife was able to see the crown jewels in London, we saw Fabergé Eggs in Moscow, countless art pieces in the Vatican, the Mona Lisa in Paris, and the Hope Diamond in Washington D.C. to name a few. Each of these items are worth a literal fortune, but they are not for sale. Even if someone can put a monetary value on them, the value to the holder is more than mere money. They are priceless treasures!
I like to look at precious items like other people, but my enjoyment is tempered because the enormous value of these items will do little good. Yes, the impact those priceless treasures have on the local economy is significant but that is the only good they do. I also find it hard to value items that serve no useful purpose other than to be looked at. My wife has a different opinion, and you can see that by the “priceless treasures” that she displays in our home. Most of them are only valuable to her. I am glad they make her happy, but that’s the only value I see in them.
So, what are the “treasures” JESUS told to “lay up” in Heaven (Mat 6:20)? He mentioned it in a list of ways to do GOD’s will, like forgiving others, praying, fasting, and serving GOD. So, the “treasures” are actions! The things we view as treasures here on earth are building materials and pave the streets in Heaven. They are used, not just looked at. Yes, in the Old Testament GOD told them to use these earthly treasures to obediently show honor to His house, but under the New Covenant He wants us to honor Him with our hearts and lives.
Why did JESUS call our love and obedience treasures? That’s because it cost a lot to get us to where our love and obedience could be of value and laid up in Heaven. The value can be seen in the purchase price. How can that be when even a beggar can freely accept JESUS and lay up their treasure in Heaven? It’s because the price is far beyond what we could pay, so GOD paid it for us! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
I’m not worthy! You are right, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8 KJV). He made us worthy by shedding His precious blood because He is worthy! We become worthy when we accept Him and His sacrifice and are welcomed into His family! We become worthy to lay up treasures in Heaven because GOD valued us enough to pay the price. In fact, we are “priceless treasures” in GOD’s eyes!
Now what? Don’t just sit in Church and thank GOD for making you a priceless treasure but start laying up some treasures in Heaven by sharing the Good News with a lost and dying world! Tell them they too can become priceless treasures like you!
Wayne Lance