Scripture: Mark 10 v 19 - 21: "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him,21 One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, take up thy cross and follow Me."
Matthew 6 v 19 - 21: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Jesus is heard ministering to a rich man who is seeking the path to eternal life. In this case He saw that this man was bound by his wealth rather than using it to bring people nearer to God. His wealth was corrupting him. The 'poor' are those who have not yet been saved.
He had kept the commandments God gave to Moses, i.e. the Law, all his life, but he had no surety in His heart of eternal life. The Law saves nobody; just being a good person does not qualify you for Heaven. You must be born again. John 3 v 3.
Jesus knew that riches were a bondage to this man. He suffered from love of money which the Word says is the root of all evil. When money is mixed with greed, selfishness, gambling, extortion or other corruption there evil will control.
Jesus told this rich man to sell everything he owned and give it all away to the poor. It was like telling a fish not to drink water, and it was very unlikely to be done. It's only when we give to our fullest extent that the Lord can respond in like manner towards us. When we only give part of what's due, we receive only part of what our life depends on.
When we meet others needs and it really hurts us to do so because we also have needs, that's when we see the treasures in Heaven starting to pour into our coffers. It's is still more blessed to give than to receive.
In searching for the true spiritual treasures, the prosperity and wealth of Christians is not measured by the world's standards, which are based in lust for the biggest, best, most expensive, most stylish luxuries. It is rather based in complete satisfaction with whatever you have. It is not in your ability to keep up with, or exceed, the Jones's; but to enjoy whatever God has blessed you with, without the need to compete for status or worldly acclaim.
Jesus recommends having a heavenly storehouse for our treasures because their is no corruption, looting, theft, scams, Ponzi schemes, confidence tricksters nor any kind of rust in His Kingdom. When our account above is activated by blessings given to others the Divine Kindness flows down here on Earth.
Jesus always knows what we have need of, and will never let us down. He says I will supply all our needs, and He follows through. We can depend on His faithfulness and trust in His love.
Our God wants us to depend on Him for everything. Just like a very small child would depend on its parents. The little child does not worry about family finances or where food will come from. It does not fear or doubt because it's parents supply all its needs. If we have treasure in Heaven it guarantees that the Father responds with interest and gives us the same blessings He gave to Abraham.
This is called "living by faith" which greatly pleases the Lord. 2 Corinthians 9 v 7 - 8: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
This is how our Father responds when we bless others out of a cheerful and thankful heart! We are blessed with always having enough to keep meeting those needs. It's like a river that never runs dry because it comes out of the Throne of God as He multiplies and blesses everything we invest in His Kingdom.
This is not a doctrine where we name it and claim it or demand the blessings of God. This is a way of life, sowing and reaping a lifelong harvest based on the quality of what we do in obedience to the Lord in prayer, ministry, faith, giving our time, love, wisdom, money or material gifts to those who have needs. The Holy Spirit will guide us into what each need requires.
If we want the best of both worlds, we need to follow Jesus with all our hearts no matter who objects or what barriers try to block us. It only matters that we overcome them all and follow the Lord's plan for our lives. Then we will have treasure in Heaven to draw upon forever.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is hard for people to comprehend Your power and ability. I cannot doubt it as You have done so many miracles for me. I pray that this message strikes a chord in those who want treasure in Heaven, and joy on Earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.