December 20–Significance Costs

Happy Wednesday to you. I hope this finds you well and not stressed about the quickly approaching holiday, but rather joyful in this special time that celebrates our Savior’s coming to earth in human flesh. What a wonderful, amazing God is Jesus Christ our Lord. 

In this season when we talk of gift giving, the big news in Southwest Missouri this week has been that a major league pitcher (who was traded from the Phillies to the Rangers) decided to give away his new vacation home on 100 acres on Table Rock Lake valued at $9.75 M to a local Christian Camp. Camp Barnabas offers day camp programs for kids with chronic illnesses and special needs, matching each camper with their own volunteer and offering scholarships so no kid is turned away. Cole and Heidi Hamels said of all the charities in Southwest Missouri, this one just touched their hearts. 

Now, by any standards that was a significant gift. A huge gift even considering the kind of money he makes (1/2 his salary) it’s still a ton of money to be giving away because something “touches your heart.” What do we give away because of the same reason? How much of our self, of our possessions? Of our time? What is the cost to us? Can we say that we have given a significant gift to Christ because he has touched our hearts? 

“Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I think here Jesus was asking the young man to give significantly, sacrificing—until it cost him something. And of course it was more than the young man could do, and Jesús explained that it was near to impossible for a rich man to enter heaven. When Peter asked if anyone had a chance, 

“Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.” Peter tried another angle: “We left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They’ll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:27-31‬ ‭

And I think he wants the same thing from his disciples today—to give significantly, until it costs us something—money, time, where we live...

Today, think about if Jesús has touched your heart. If he has, have you treated it so and given significantly to him? To his work? Maybe this time of celebration is a time to consider just that. 

Love you dear one,

Pam




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