Copa del Rey

Brett Petrillo recounted a recent incident in Spain that illustrates an
important lesson for all of us.

Trophies have always been the symbol of superiority, accomplishment and
bragging rights. For the National Football League, it's the Vince Lombardi
Trophy. For the National Hockey League, it's the Stanley Cup. For Spain's
soccer championship, the trophy is called the Copa del Rey.

The championship game this year in Spain was between Barcelona and Real
Madrid. Since this soccer championship began in 1902, Barcelona has won it
more times than any other team (25 times). For Real Madrid, it had been 18
years since they last held the Copa del Rey. On this night however, Real
Madrid was the better team.

So, finally, after 18 long years, Real Madrid lifted up that sweet trophy of
success. Soon the team was parading down the streets on top of a
double-decker bus as 60,000 fans cheered and praised the team.

However, as the celebration continued, the Copa del Rey slipped out of the
hands of one of the players, fell down in the street, and was crushed under
the bus. *

This incident reminds us of the temporal nature of THINGS that we value most
in this life, ALL of which will eventually end up lost, stolen, or crushed
under the bus!

Jesus said, "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" (Matthew 6:19-20).

Jesus teaches us to place our hope in eternal treasures rather than
temporary, earthly ones. He reminds us that the most important things in
life are not THINGS!

John emphasized these same truths: "Do not love the world or the things in
the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the
world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God
abides forever" (1Jn 2:15-17).

Those who surrender their lives in trusting obedience to the will of God
have their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus and receive the gift of
ETERNAL life (John 3:16). "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of
God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

The Lord will give the crown of life to those who place their faith and
trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Those who
continue to keep their focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3) and follow Him
faithfully will inherit eternal life in heaven.

Don't put your hope in temporary things. Put your hope in Jesus who rewards
the faithful with eternal blessings.

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent