Love God Greatly: For Such a Time as This - a Study on the Book of EstherSample

Week 1: Relying on and Trusting God's Wisdom

Lasting Treasure

Read: Esther 1:1-8, Matthew 6:19-21

SOAP: Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and devouring insect destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and devouring insect do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Into the Text

When you have the wealth, power, and pedigree King Ahasuerus had, you can see why he struggled with pride. The king had everything he could ever want and then some. As we begin our study and read Esther 1:1-8, we see a man who was obsessed with displaying his wealth and power. For 180 days, he showcased his riches and splendor, wanting everyone to admire him. While we may not possess great wealth or power like King Ahasuerus, we can find ourselves in a similar trap from time to time, seeking to impress others with our accomplishments, possessions, or status. Like King Ahasuerus, our hearts can become prideful as we choose to value what we have over God, the Giver of all good things.

But Jesus, in Matthew 6:19-21, shows us a different way. Jesus tells us not to store up our treasures on earth, where they will eventually fade away, but to focus on eternal treasures—things that last forever. What are these treasures? God’s Word and the souls of people. These are the things that matter for eternity, and nothing can destroy them. As Christians, we are called to invest in these lasting treasures instead of being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

Living with heaven in mind means shifting our focus from earth to heaven. It might look like spending more time in God’s Word, reaching out to someone in need, or building relationships with those God has placed in your life. Your bank account statements and retirement accounts might look different as you focus on investing in eternity rather than what is temporal, reflecting a heart set on eternity rather than what is fleeting. At the end of our lives, may it be said that we poured out our money, time, and talents into what can never be taken from us.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, give me a heart that seeks the eternal. Help me let go of worldly pride and focus on what truly matters—your kingdom, your Word, and the people you love. Give me the courage to live for you and invest my life for your glory, not mine. Amen.