Rich
Laila and I stood in Buckingham Palace, England, in a room filled with swords of kings and royalty. Almost a thousand years of history was represented. Swords were identified by those who wore them and in which battle. Many were gilded with jewels. I could only imagine if an auction were to be held how many millions of dollars were in that room.
There is what is called the Fabulous 400 in Newport, Rhode Island. Homes there were built by tycoons during the Railroad and Steel Era in the United States. One home contains 52 rooms. The owner brought craftsmen from England. The craftsmen were blindfolded each day and led to the room where they were to work to keep them from seeing any other room, until the house was completely finished. It seemed each builder tried to out-do the others.
Not so long ago a person having a few hundred thousand dollars would have been considered wealthy. A millionaire was dreamland. No one imagined billionaires. Now people can make billions of dollars in a year.
But there is a wealth that cannot be measured in terms of money. It is not measured by the size of a house. It is not measured by the social events a person attends, or by social network. Cars, clothes, diamonds, and possessions are not included in the net worth.
Peter writes about an inheritance incorruptible. He speaks of the Coming of Jesus for His Church, the gathering of the saints, and the fellowship we will have in the presence of the Eternal God forever. Peter observes that even gold can be destroyed by fire. However, the treasure that awaits the Faithful is beyond thieves and beyond corruption.
While we wait for the Coming of Jesus, there is another blessing. It is the blessing of fellowship with others who are our brothers and sisters of like faith. We open the doors of fellowship in worship to persons from every country, culture, and color to sing, rejoice, disciple, and worship Our Christ.
My favorite day of the week is Sunday. I look forward to gather with other believers in worship. Everything is hinged on faith. Faith that draws us to together, faith that makes our songs full of devotion and praise, faith that exalts the Lord, faith that tells the story of being saved by grace. Seeing dear brothers and sisters come to worship is so gratifying, rewarding, fulfilling, joyous, exciting, and rich!
When we meet corporately there is the presence of those who are part of our family that are not present. Missionary families around the world are integrally woven into the fabric of our being, our giving, and the very essence of our being. We do not occasionally think of them. They are a part of our heart, a reason for existence, and intentionally included in the strategies we implement for fulfilling the Great Commission.
There are missionaries who are part of the Covenant Family that have never been physically present with us. We know them by photos, by ministry, and via dear friends who keep us connected. Whether we have seen our brothers or sisters does not differentiate the love we have for them.
As the Lord occasions we are privileged and honored to have missionaries visit and worship with us. The joy of meeting new brothers and sisters is beyond measure. To have them stay in our homes. To have them eat with us. To have them share their heart and ministry. And to be able to minister to them, to refresh them, to encourage them, and to bless their efforts with substance, is a blessing.
I call it ultimate wealth. It is the greatest treasure. It is laying up treasure in heaven. If giving a glass of water to one of God’s little ones brings a blessing [Matt 10: 42], imagine how God must be pleased when we give more than a glass of water in His name.
I have found wealth: It is God’s Family. “Rich,” I say. Rich are those who serve their brothers and sisters.
You cannot imagine how excited I am in anticipation of our One Heart…One Hope Mission Conference on March 2-4! Pray with me for God’s favor, and join with me in the blessing of adding to our wealth as we welcome new missionaries to be part of our Covenant Family.
Much Love,
Pastor Bare