Kingdom of Pleasure vs. Purpose

With the spread of Greek culture came an emphasis on man and his appetites. We see it reflected in the art of the time, which highlighted the human form and, with the rise of the Olympics, human strength. Such values infiltrated first-century Israel, perpetuated by Herod the Great, who was known as a master builder. From luxurious bathhouses and pagan temples to large amphitheaters and hippodromes, Herod the Great opened the doors to a hedonistic emphasis on gratifying the flesh. Herod Antipas built upon his father’s reputation in his reconstruction of the city of Sepphoris and the construction of the newer, larger city of Tiberias. The aims of the court revolved around maintaining and showing off one’s wealth, not only in building projects and lavish palaces but also in elaborate parties.

Such was the world Joanna came from, one that stressed the accumulation of riches and elevated human pleasure. Jesus spoke directly into the wiles of wealth when he called it a “master.” It’s only too easy to pursue wealth as an end in itself for the money to control the person rather than the other way around. But money and its accompanying pleasures are inherently fleeting and corruptible—dead-end roads that ultimately leave people unsatisfied.

Only in Jesus Christ is true, abundant life found, and that life is outward-facing. The person who is rooted and satisfied in Christ does not need to hunt for meaning in material things. Rather, she has the joy of laying up treasures in heaven that are incorruptible. It’s life lived with Kingdom-minded purpose rather than bound to one’s own desires. Such a person lives with a “good eye,” which means she lives generously, wielding earthly wealth for a heavenly purpose.

Ponder: Are you holding onto what you have too tightly? Has pleasure become its own destination? Consider how you might redirect your heart to delight more completely in the Lord.

Pray: Abba, loosen my hands from my own comfort. Show me in what ways I’ve elevated the gifts above the Giver. Amen.