Saturday, December 12, 2015
Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
ALL GLORY TO THE SON
As we approach Christmas, how do you feel about the man dressed in red? Which man in red are you thinking about? Is it the one with the white beard and big bag or the one with the pointy ears and pitchfork?
Regardless of which one you were thinking about, both men dressed in red offer the same thing with holiday cheer-- material gifts. And that is the best of their gifts. Jesus is quick to warn and alert us against the materialism (covetous love of material things) with these two questions: "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Many stories have told of men and women selling their soul to Satan for some kind of material gain or wealth. Jesus is fully aware of our greedy natures and reminds us that wealth and possessions will be completely worthless when He comes.
So where does that leave you and me? Rather than getting caught up with either of those men dressed in red, let's continue eagerly to follow the Son of Man who "will come in the glory of His Father" all dressed in white, the white and holy splendor of His righteousness and holiness! No money, fame, or earthly possessions will matter except the one treasure freely given by Jesus who said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29).
All glory to the Son, Who comes to set us free,
With Father, Spirit, ever One Through all eternity.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 68:6; Charles Coffin, 1736)
