Monday, October 26, 2026
Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 15-19 | John 6
Is it possible to see the treasures from the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth?
The New Testament is unclear as to what those heavenly treasures are. There is no catalog for us to choose from, but it is consistent that what we do with what God has given us will reach into eternity.
Unfortunately, heaven is some time in the future, and we are in the here and now. And since the present feels more real than the future, right now has an advantage. It is the difference between instant and delayed gratification, just like Jesus teaches in these verses from the Sermon on the Mount, delivered to a Jewish audience, including Jewish-Christian believers.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
First, Jesus warns against valuing material wealth and possessions because they can be destroyed or stolen and are only temporary. As the saying goes, “you can’t take it with you.” Instead, Jesus instructs us to store our treasures in heaven. These are eternal investments, like loving God, showing compassion, and having generosity for the poor. Faithful stewardship is like paying forward what we will receive in heaven. Lastly, Jesus reminds us that our hearts don’t direct where our money and time go. Rather, our money and time direct our hearts. What we value most captures our spiritual faithfulness.
When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of Heaven, he was not only talking about a future place where we’ll go when we die. He was telling us that God’s Kingdom is breaking into our world now, and it started when Jesus came to earth.
In his book, Matthew for Everyone, N.T. Wright wrote, “He [Jesus] wanted his followers to establish heavenly treasure right now, treasure which they could enjoy in the present as well as the future, treasure that wasn’t subject to the problems that face all earthly hoards.”
As our bottom line suggests: Jesus invites us to invest what won’t last in what will. That is how we store up treasures in heaven and how we can experience the Kingdom of Heaven today.
Questions:
Where are you putting your treasure?
Do you identify with Instant gratification or delayed gratification? Which produces more happiness?
Next Steps:
Take a step toward one of these three practical applications that show how we can experience kingdom treasure today:
Notice what truly lasts. It takes faith to recognize what is valuable in God’s Kingdom, but you are invited to take part in it (Matthew 6:19-21).
Make room intentionally. This is not accidental - it requires a budget and trust to do more with what you are given.
Take real action now. The present is more real than the future. Consider completing the Take Your Next Step card that is available on the CedarCreek App. What is your next step?
Prayer:
Abba Father, thank you for sending your Son to bring your Kingdom into our world. Open my eyes so I may see what will produce heavenly treasure. Give me wisdom to know that faith in God requires action. Show me ways that I can please you with my actions. Keep me faithful so I can make a difference here on earth. Use me in any way that you can. It’s in Jesus’ name that I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.
Written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.