ONE FINE MOMENT

 

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

     We certainty have seen the reality of this scripture this week.  The Covid 19, Pandemic has caused panic, fear and a new reality.  No longer all the things we do to show love and kindness are now considered taboo.  Hugs, kisses, handshakes and formal greetings.  You now have to self isolate, social distance and avoid large gatherings.  Sports events, social events, funerals, weddings, church all things are now considered a health risk.  It has caused people to buy sanitizer, toilet paper runs and panic buying.  It has caused governments to imposed draconian measures and stock crashes, no travel out of the country and people are stranded in foreign countries.  So who do you trust?  Where can you go for stability?

 

Jesus warned us about this fine moment in Matt 24, so today who do you trust? 

The word trust means faith or putting your confidence in something or someone.

The Bible teaches us not to put our trust in. 

 

Weapons:  Ps 44:6 -  I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory.

Wealth:  Ps 49:6-7 - those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?  7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them.

Leaders:   Ps 146:3 - Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Man:   Jer 17:5 - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

Words:   Jer 48:7 – There is a lesson we can learn from Moab Jeremiah said to them,  “Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive, and Chemosh will go into exile, together with his priests and officials.”

Own righteousness:  Ezek 33:13 -  If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done.

 

Mankind will learn and should learn too placed their confidence and trust in the Lord and in Jesus Christ.  That is great thing about the Lord we can trust Him during these incredible times of turmoil.  You can trust.

 

God’s name:  Ps 33:21 - In him our hearts rejoice, or we trust in his holy name.

Mercy and love:  Ps 52:8 - But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

Word:  Ps 119:42 - then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word

Christ:  Matt 12:18-21 - 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:  18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.  19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,

till he has brought justice through to victory.  21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”

 

Now here are the benefits of trusting in the Lord not only during this time but in all times. 

 

Joy:  Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Deliverance:  Ps 22:4-5 - In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.  5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

Triumph:  Ps 25:2-3 - I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.  3 No one who hopes in you I will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

God’s goodness:  Ps 21:19 - How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

Mercy and love:  Ps 32:10 - Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Provision:  Ps 37:3-5 - Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

Blessedness:  Ps 44:4:  You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.

Safety:  Ps 56:4&11 -   In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?  in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can man do to me?

Usefulness:  Ps 73:28 - But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Guidance:  Prov 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Inheritance:  Is 57:13 - When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you!  The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away.

But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.

 

In these turbulent and uncertain times we can trust the Lord.  There is an anchor in this storm of Covid 19.  His name is the Lord and let us trust Him.  I am not saying we should not be wise cautious and discerning but trust him.  We have seen what happens when we trust in man.  Now put your trust in God and His benefits.  Close with prayer.