Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also. (NIV)
Luke 17:32-33 - Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose
it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. (NIV)
During the summer of 1976 and soon after graduating high school, I had the
opportunity to travel abroad. Being a young teenager at the time, I did not
fully appreciate the significance of many historical places. Of all the
interesting sites, however, one made a lasting impression -- the ancient ruins
of Pompeii.
More than likely, many readers may not have visited Pompeii, but may have seen
the unique and fascinating photos of this once flourishing town. Amazingly, from
the ancient ruins, archaeologists have reconstructed the everyday lives of the
inhabitants. Many artefacts present clues as to what were the most valued and
treasured possessions of its people. Frozen in time are the houses, objects,
paintings, inscriptions, and graffiti of the individuals who once lived there.
In one home in particular, food was still preserved on the table as if it were
yesterday. Volcanic ash imprints on many of Pompeii's citizens have forever
memorialized their final moments on this earth.
The tale of Pompeii also offers some insight to our Lord's instruction in
today's Scriptures. Jesus reveals that where our treasure is, our hearts will be
also, and warns us to remember Lot's wife. The Old Testament describes the
event: "But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis
19:26 NIV) Some commentators believe that she looked back because her heart
longed for the treasures left behind. Whatever the reason, Jesus used her as an
example to call His followers to relinquish the material things of this world.
James 4:14 - What is your life? You are a mist that appears for awhile and then
vanishes. (NIV)
Imagine ourselves as inhabitants of Pompeii, going about our daily routines;
then suddenly we vanish. Think for a moment. If archaeologists could reconstruct
our lives, what kind of story would they tell? What things do we treasure the
most? What examples would we be for future generations were they to reflect upon
the lives we now live?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to store treasures in heaven which can never be
destroyed. Allow our lives be living testimonials to the incomparable riches of
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of
wisdom and the knowledge of You. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.
Lori Ciccanti Lori@answers2prayer.org
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