It's interesting, at this time of year to remember and focus on the story of Jesus's life. Go with me in thinking about his birth, being hid in Egypt for years, and then returning only to gather a few men, whom He would pour His life in to, and then, one of them betray Him. That's where I want to hang our this morning, "treasures and betrayals". We all love the treasures in people. We, or at least many I know, want to pull out the treasure in others. I can see Jesus sharing with Judas about how frugal he was, and how he paid attention to detail. Perhaps, how good he was with numbers, and how responsible he was. Then, the very gifts within in him, worked against him, as he began to judge the woman who poured out all she had on Jesus, and Judas calling it a waste, and shouting how it should have been sold. Judas's time was near. "His gift was beginning to get to him, rather than flow through him." What had begun to be a treasure in his life, would now cost him his relationship with Jesus, and ultimately drive him to self-destruct.
When we stop pouring our treasures out on Jesus, there is a spirit of treason at work in our life. At this time of year, we need to examine our lives and ask ourselves some hard questions. Is there any area of my life where I am holding back? Am I giving Jesus my best? Is Jesus first in my life or do I have my own agenda? Answering these short questions can be the difference between living a long satisfied life, or being so miserable we commit treason against Jesus, and lose our life.
ACTION STEP: Allow your gifts to be developed, and bring glory to God with them. Use what you've been given, to love on Jesus, and love on what He loves. Lavish Jesus with your best. Give your best to Jesus this holiday season, and always. Know this, if you will allow your gifts to flow through you, God will always be able to to get gifts to you.
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