Dear Family and Friends,

Do you remember the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama Bay due to a COVID outbreak back in early 2020?

While on our way to the airport, Aileen and I saw that ship as it sat quietly in the harbor. The ship and surrounding area was so still, from afar it looked deserted. The news indicated otherwise.

That scene is my final memory of our last trip to Japan. 

Aileen and I share a deep love for that country, its people, food, culture, and natural beauty. We want to return, but…

Have you ever taken for granted something or someone? I’m guessing we all have.

The pandemic was and continues to be a stark reminder of how much we take for granted. Being locked up was a reminder of how free we were to go out to work or play. Masks and vaccinations remind us of how fragile life really is. Do you feel lost now that your favorite stores and restaurants shut their doors during the pandemic?

I suspect many couples would admit they had a fight or two over being taken for granted.

Yes, if we’re being honest, we have all taken for granted something or someone.

Our question for the day is a pointed one.

Are we taking Jesus for granted? It could be the difference maker between believing in Jesus or believing in and following Him. Between seeing Him as our Lord and Savior or as just our Savior.

The idiom ‘take for granted’ is commonly used to mean – to take advantage of, show no appreciation for, or undervalue someone or something just because they or it is always there.

Did you know that when this idiom was first used in religious writings (I presume Christian) in the 1600’s, it meant almost the opposite of today’s usage?

This idiom ‘take for granted’ originally meant to consider something or someone true without requiring proof.

We should all be taking Jesus for granted in this way!

Regardless of which way we take Jesus for granted, would you like to know how we can do better at viewing Him as true without requiring proof?

By doing something that’s easier said than done – trusting Jesus.

We live in a world where past hurts have caused us to be cynical of others. Where the norm is to not trust anyone until they prove themselves trustworthy.

Although Psalm‬ ‭118:8‬ NIV says, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans,” we still hesitate trusting the Lord.

So how do we satisfy ourselves that Jesus is trustworthy?

It starts by first realizing all that He has done for us over our years.

Let’s ask ourselves, would we be who we are today if not for Him? What would our lives look like today if not for Jesus?

To help us realize the value of God’s Kingdom, and of Jesus, whose sacrifice made our citizenship in God’s Kingdom possible, we will look at one of Jesus’ shorter parables.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”  Matthew 13:44 NIV

Let’s take a deeper look.

Realization

The treasure in the parable was hidden. It was out of plain sight, buried, unable to be found accidentally. The only way to find this hidden treasure was to look for it.

Did you know that there are hidden treasures waiting to be found inside of us? Invaluable gems that, unless we search for them, remain hidden.

These treasures are the blessings poured out by God into our lives.

They are the evidence of God’s work in us as it says in Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬ ESV, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
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They are the evidence of God’s work in us before we were born. “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”  Psalm‬ ‭139:13-14‬ ESV

Allow me to provide a few examples.

Our grandson is amazing with LEGO toys. He easily finishes kits meant for kids two or more years older that he. Where did he get his unique ability to see multidimensionally and his small motor dexterity? God!

Our granddaughter is a very strong one year old. She picks up and swings toys meant to be pulled as if they were stuffed animals. Where did she get her unique strength? God!

So it is with all of us. We all were born with uniqueness, skills, intellect or passions, that set us apart from those around us.

Despite all that God has done for us, have you noticed that because He is out of sight, we tend to keep Him out of mind? And take credit for our accomplishments?

Have you taken credit for deeds done well? I have.

Did you forget to give credit to God? I did.

Have you ever had a fortunate break, then call it luck? I have.

When I began a journey of self-reflection and looked deeper into my life, especially at life changing events, it was humbling yet wonderful. God was clearly at work behind the scenes.

We all know the story of Jesus praying at Gethsemane. In the account found in Luke 22:42-43 NIV, we find Jesus calling out in anguish, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

We then see God respond in the way He did many times before in the Bible, by providing what was needed when it was needed, “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”  No words, no taking credit, just help.

Yes, our God is omnipresent and ever-present. He is more involved in our lives than we realize.

Let’s set aside some time this week to look for hidden treasures in our lives, even in the years before we believed.

As you find those treasures, examine them carefully. On them you will discover the handprints of God.

And if this is your first time searching for hidden treasures, be prepared for the joy you will feel.

Responding

The parable continues with the man knowing the treasure found had great worth. Its value was beyond everything he owned. The man’s joy was so great, he sold all that he had to buy the field.

This leads us to our next step, responding to our treasures, God’s blessings. 

We start with a few questions to ask ourselves.

How will we respond when we find our treasures and experience the joy they bring?

How will we respond when we learn that the value of God’s blessings far exceeds the value of what He asks?

Nothing on earth can ever compare to the value of our place in the Kingdom of God, the blessing of living and thriving alongside the Creator of the universe. And the value of His grace, love, and forgiveness given freely to us.

Again I ask, how will you respond?

It’s just not right to call it a sacrifice.

It’s right to say, ‘Yes Jesus, I will follow you.’

Following Jesus means embarking on a lifelong journey of growing in the knowledge of the Lord, growing in his likeness, and growing in love for Christ.

This is what Jesus calls us all to do.

Will you trust Jesus and take Him for granted in the good way? Will you answer His call to follow Him?

In love always,