Archived Notes

______________________________________ Treasures in Heaven

©Chad Sychtysz

 

 

It is not uncommon for people to enter into disputes with their own families concerning the distribution of an inheritance. Christians, however, look to a spiritual inheritance which exceeds mere physical property, money or heirlooms. This inheritance is real, but exists in a realm unseen by those on earth. Actually, Jesus’ inheritance, which He chooses to share with His genuine disciples, is our “treasures in heaven” (Mt 6:20). This is not just a clever phrase, but speaks to the very nature of both the worth and context of this inheritance: it is “treasure” (priceless) and “in heaven” (the realm of God).

An inheritance, technically, is a legal transfer of a father’s possessions to his children. It is determined by a “will” or testament. The intention is that the father’s life will be extended through the gifting of his belongings to his posterity, linking two (or more) generations together. In ancient times, the first-born son was given a “double-portion” of inheritance, simply because he was first. This could be rescinded, however, as in the case of Esau (Gen 25:29-34) and Reuben (Gen 49:4). The heir really does nothing to warrant an inheritance, however, except to be a son; in fact, he may not even be morally deserving of it. Ultimately, all inheritances are determined by the providence of God, since it is He who has the power to determine who should be born into what family and when. Thus, profaning one’s inheritance is construed as an affront to God who has provided it. Christ was the “first-born” from the Father, and thus was due a double-portion of inheritance. Not only this, but He actually deserved an inheritance by virtue of His perfect life. God put all things into His [Jesus’] hand, and Jesus is forever linked to the Father through this inheritance (Jn 3:35, 8:35). He has inherited the kingdom of God, all power and authority on heaven and earth, all the saints, and all glory and honor. Jesus offers an inheritance to believers (Mt 19:29) because of the great love He has for them (Mt 25:34, Acts 20:32).

The way a spiritual inheritance works is slightly different than a physical inheritance. First, you must die to receive it; second, you have full control over whether or not you are an heir. God promises an inheritance to whomever follows Him (1 Jn 2:17), but not every heart is so inclined; not everyone pursues “treasure in heaven” (Mt 6:19-21, 19:21). Those who do not follow God or live in a manner befitting a “son” of God will not receive a son’s inheritance (1 Cor 6:9-10; Eph 5:5). If we do not submit to the Lord, or if we do not live according to Christ, we actually disinherit ourselves. Such loss is our own undoing, since it is the result of our own personal, conscious decisions; it is our own responsibility. Nonetheless, sometimes Christians get sidetracked; while Jesus wants our minds to be focused on Him, someone will instead focus on petty, worldly things. This literally happened to Jesus, and He warned against such distractions (Lk 12:13-21). Too many people give up very much (eternity with God) in exchange for very little (worldly gain). Jesus has already proved to us that He can take care of our souls (Jn 14:1-3). We have no good reason, then, to doubt His promise of “treasures.” “Treasure” is a reward of having believed, trusted, and demonstrated faith in Him throughout our lives. We commit ourselves willingly to other lifelong pursuits, none of which brings such eternal reward; why do so many people resist this particular pursuit? Discipleship is not easy, but it is never “too hard”—Jesus has already done the things “too hard” for us. Jesus died so that we might have “treasures in heaven,” not so that we will give our hearts to lesser things.

Someday the “books” will be opened—in a sense, it will be the reading of the “will”—and Christ will share His inheritance with the “sons of God.” Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world; neither is His inheritance. Thus, we should seek wisdom and knowledge concerning the things of that kingdom that lead to our preservation, and not pursue whatever threatens our disinheritance (Eccles 7:11-12). “Come, follow Me,” Jesus says, “and you shall have treasure in heaven.” Do you live like you believe this?

 

 

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