How does Matthew 6:19-21 relate to Job 22:24's message on treasures? Job’s Ancient Reminder: Gold in the Dust Job 22:24: “and consign your gold to the dust, and the gold of Ophir to the stones of the ravines.” • Eliphaz urges Job to treat his finest wealth—the celebrated “gold of Ophir”—as nothing more than roadside gravel. • The picture is vivid: take what the world prizes most and drop it in the dirt. • The immediate promise that follows (vv. 25–26) is that the Almighty Himself will become Job’s treasure and delight. • Key idea: release grip on material riches so that God becomes the true riches. Jesus’ Clear Command: Treasures That Last “Do not 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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Jesus contrasts two treasure locations—earth vs. heaven—and two outcomes—decay vs. permanence. • The heart always migrates toward whatever it counts as treasure. • By naming moths, rust, and thieves, Jesus exposes how fragile earthly wealth really is. Shared Truths Between the Passages • Renunciation of misplaced value – Job 22:24: “Gold…to the dust.” – Matthew 6:19: “Do not store up…treasures on earth.” • Redirection of affection – Job 22:25: “Then the Almighty will be your gold.” – Matthew 6:20: “Store up…treasures in heaven.” • Heart orientation – Job passage implies joy in God (vv. 26-27). – Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Eternal security – Job’s reward is God Himself—unassailable. – Jesus promises a vault “where moth and rust do not destroy.” Complementary Voices from the Rest of Scripture • Proverbs 11:4—“Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” • Psalm 62:10—“If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—command to put hope in God and thus “lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future.” • Luke 12:33-34—sell possessions, give to the poor, “a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted.” • Colossians 3:2—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Practical Ways to Lay Up Heavenly Treasure • Give generously and quietly (Matthew 6:3-4). • Invest time in God’s Word (Psalm 19:10; 119:72). • Serve the body of Christ with your gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Evangelize and disciple—people are eternal (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). • Suffer faithfully when trials test loyalty (James 1:12). A Heart Check • If gold feels heavy in your hands, place it “in the dust” by open-handed generosity. • Let the Savior who owns heaven become the treasure your heart can never lose. |
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