Handel’s Messiah. I have such wonderful memories of singing this masterpiece of music. Who is this king of glory? I can just hear the music swell, and the answer i
s clear — Jesus! I love when Scripture is put to music because it can take on such a deeper meaning (at least for me). It is also easier for me to memorize and take deep within. Having Scripture buried deep in our hearts enables us to call upon it at the proper time.
I liked the remainder of the first verse “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Everything. This truth should cause us to take pause as we look around us at we might call “our” possessions, and realize the materialism that is taking over our society is so very rampant. I could rant on this alone for hours, and I am just as guilty when I look around at the abundance in my life. This is even more apparent to me now that we have retired to Mexico, and as we walk through the village and meet our Mexican neighbors, I realize I have so much more than I need.
Additionally, we must remember who we belong to as well as who “our” things belong to. I like the thought of “belonging” to God. There is great comfort in that thought, don’t you think? I am definitely safe and secure in that knowledge.
So what things could you live without? Take a moment to look around you and imagine not having some of “your” things. While you do this, remember “who” they really belong to, and be thankful you have been given the opportunity to enjoy and care for these things. Are you holding tightly to somethings more than others? Why do you think that is? We need to wrestle with these questions an be ready to leave them all behind to follow the one who is strong and might, the king of glory.
Let’s pray. Lord, help me in my struggle with possessions and to remember they are yours. Help me to take good care of what you have entrusted to me, be respectful and thankful. Likewise, with my body and my life, may I be a reflection of you and ready to serve others as you would have me do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
