One of my greatest joys in studying the Scriptures is when I stumble upon a lesson that has been hidden and yet is so obvious when I see it. I call these lessons an “A-Ha” moment.

I had one of these A-Ha moments the other day when I was studying Jesus’ parable about the wealthy businessman who reached the point his wealth was so great, his security so secure, he had no apparent need for God. Jesus then said, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you, and now who will own what you have prepared?”

What struck me was how many of us live in a “closed world” where the only reality is the one we see with our eyes and consider with our own thoughts. In this closed world, the balance sheet says if you lose $1,000 you are down $1,000, regardless of where that $1,000 goes. If the world is indeed closed, then it doesn’t matter how or why you are down $1,000. At the end of the day, if that $1,000 is lost, stolen, given to feed the poor, or spent on a luxurious vacation, the net result is the same.

Jesus shed new light on this when He said a living God and an everlasting heaven is included in our temporary system, thus making it a very open system. Blessings follow obedience and service. Personal sacrifice and responsible stewardship of God’s possessions will have its reward, both in this life and the life to come. Jesus knew this to be true:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Now, that is a thought. In this world, 100 minus 10 will always equal 90 regardless of why the ten was subtracted or what that 10 represented, but, in God’s economy, there are situations where 100 minus 10 might equal 1,000. Jesus counted on that when He gave His life for us. Countless others have discovered this truth when they invest their time, talents, and treasures on behalf of others.

Think about it!

PJ