Seeking To Gain!

What is it we are most desiring to receive? When confronted by one who wanted to make sure he got HIS PORTION of an inheritance, Jesus told what has become known as the parable of the rich fool. ( Luke 12:16-20) In this parable Jesus' point was to warn against heaping up treasure in this life while forgetting about being rich toward God. ( Luke 12:21) It is far too easy to get so caught up in the pursuits of this life that we forget there is an existence beyond this realm.

The psalmist David noted the following contrast.
"(13) Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, (14) from men by your hand, O LORD, from MEN OF THE WORLD WHOSE PORTION IS IN THIS LIFE. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. (15) AS FOR ME, I SHALL BEHOLD YOUR FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS; WHEN I AWAKE, I SHALL BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR LIKENESS." ( Psalm 17:13-15 ESV)

Here we have a contrast between the focus toward earthly reward and that of a heavenly one. Those whose sole pursuit is the things of this life will have their PORTION in it. They will have the treasures they seek and find some sense of satisfaction while enjoying their family, but the day will come when all that is left behind. However, David looked forward to seeing the face of God. It would be then that he would find his greatest sense of satisfaction. Though he did enjoy some prosperity in this life, He did not leave God and His Will out of the picture.

As I read this passage yesterday morning, my mind immediately jumped to the words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount. There He cautioned and encouraged. . .

"(1) Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order TO BE SEEN by them, for then you will have NO REWARD FROM YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. (2) Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR REWARD. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET WILL REWARD YOU." ( Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

Again we have a contrast between worldly and heavenly reward. Let us guard against an overemphasis on worldly gain and the praise of others. If that is our main pursuit, it could become our only reward. How sad to gain so much in this life and have nothing relating to the life to come.

Jeremiah stated. . .
"'The LORD IS MY PORTION,' says my soul, 'THEREFORE I WILL HOPE IN HIM.'" ( Lamentations 3:24 ESV)

With such a desire we will find our truest satisfaction, for like the psalmist the day will come when we shall be like our Lord. ( 1 John 3:2) May we not allow the things of this realm from distracting us from the greater inheritance.

Have a great day SEEKING OUR PORTION WITH GOD!
Carl

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