Focus 2020 – The Great Commission: Perspectives from LeadersSample

100 Years from Now All That Will Matter Is Jesus 

Bible passage:  

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, CSB) 

Devotional: 

We all have people or schedules pulling us in different directions. Relationships, jobs, children, school, even finances, are examples of things that make up the daily lives of most people. The stress that comes with having so many responsibilities can be daunting. I can remember talking to a wiser man about some of troubles in life, and he said something that has always stayed with me: “Life gets lifey sometimes!” While the grammar of this statement is obviously incorrect, the sentiment is so true. We are all faced with the sad reality of trials, pain, and loss. We all have needs that have to be met to ensure life continues. So how do we balance the stresses and necessities of life that are inevitable with the kind of joyful and hope-filled life that Jesus promises to offer? Jesus helps us with that very question in Matthew 6.  

When addressing how we should interact with physical possessions, Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–21, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  

Jesus continues this portion of the Sermon on the Mount by addressing the necessities of life that cause anxiety in the hearts and minds of many. “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). 

Jesus is saying that there is something more important that should occupy our minds than the collection of possessions that will fade away. There is something more important than the daily necessities required to sustain our lives; yes, even food, water, clothing. What could possibly be more important than these things? Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

Our minds should be more occupied by the Kingdom of God than anything else. Why? Because 100 years from now, all that will matter is the work we do for the Kingdom. That is what Jesus is teaching in Matthew 6. Yes, you need to eat, and yes, you will have material possessions. But what matters most is Jesus! So how do we balance these things? Leverage all you have (possessions, food, water, clothing, job, talents) toward fulfilling the Great Commission. Read Matthew 28:16–20. 

Question: What can you use today that can be leveraged toward fulfilling The Great Commission?  

Brad Lewter 

Lead Pastor, Grand Avenue Baptist Church