Endless Treasures for Everyone...

Wouldn’t it be great if that phrase were true? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone got a medal or a trophy, even if they were just average? Ok, maybe that already happens in our world today. My daughters use to get a participation medal for every soccer tournament they played in even though they never won the tournament and won very few games during the weekend.

We give everyone awards; we hand out oversized trophies to everyone who shows up. On one hand, I get the psychology behind the action… we want our kids to grow up with a positive, healthy sense of self; to feel loved and included and special. On the other hand, we are creating and becoming a culture of entitled, selfish children who throw temper tantrums when we don’t get our own way. (This goes for adults too; our temper tantrums are much more controlled and unobtrusive)

So why did I choose this title for my sermon this weekend? Actually, I didn’t choose it, but it sort of chose me. I discovered the phrase buried in the Bible verses I’m going to speak on.

Check it out… “Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan… “ (from the apostle Paul writing to the church in Ephesus; Ephesians 3:8, 9a, NLT)

Spend some time really digesting what Paul is saying here… Paul, an undeserving, transformed hater of all things to do with Jesus, now sees it as a personal “privilege” to tell others that there are “endless treasures” available to anyone and everyone who makes themselves available and open to the Good News of Jesus.

Endless treasures despite difficult circumstances. Endless treasures despite days of loneliness and despair. Endless treasures despite illness and life threatening sickness and even untimely death. Endless treasures on the mountain tops and through the valleys. Endless treasures through the storms and bright shiny days. Endless treasures for those who come to Jesus with junk and baggage and doubts and worries and anger and fear, and still choose to believe.

Everyone gets a treasure that never fades away.

What treasures have you received from Jesus? What treasures would you like to receive from Jesus?

More to come this Sunday… join us for worship and experience the love of Jesus for yourself.