Space for Sale

READ: ISAIAH 33:5-6; MATTHEW 6:19-34; 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19

Kellen knew that asteroid mining was a risky business. There were hazardous pockets of gas and metals too tough for the drill. For Kellen, though, the money to be made was worth the work. The material in this asteroid alone would fuel his entire home planet for a year. His share would be enough to buy his own mining gear, then he could really start making some cash. Lost in thought, Kellen was startled by the blinking warning light on his monitor, indicating someone had hit a gas pocket. With enough pressure, the entire asteroid could potentially explode—with them on it.

Kellen heard his boss shout through the commlink, “We need to evacuate now! This is an emergency. All personnel proceed to your designated areas and secure yourself for an emergency departure!” Kellen pressed a button and his entire drill, with him inside, detached from the asteroid, rocket thrusters launching him back to the main shuttle where he could see dozens of other drill ships also loading up for a speedy getaway.

A moment later Kellen felt bits of asteroid rattle his small compartment rather undramatically. As the main carrier raced away, Kellen took a glance on his monitor to see the asteroid, worth trillions, explode in a flash of light and space dust. All of his dreams, gone in an instant.

Kellen tried to relax as the boss started roll call. But when they got to Freya’s ID number, the commlink was silent. Kellen felt his stomach drop. Freya was a good pilot, she had to have made it off the asteroid in time. But there was a chance… Kellen held his breath as he heard the boss call out her number a second, then a third time. No response. Then, there was a crackling sound, and a patchy voice said, “Docked…com damaged…I’m alright.”

Kellen exhaled with a shudder. As he looked back at the field of debris, he realized Freya’s life was worth more than that—worth more than all the asteroids in the galaxy combined. He remembered something his mother had said, back on his home planet on the Illyrian system. How God treasured and desired and loved him…far more than anyone could desire an asteroid. How God’s love compelled Him to take on human flesh and die—for him. And then, to rise again with a promise to put an end to death and evil, all that’s wrong with the world.

Thank you God, he whispered. Help me see as You see. Loving You, and the people you’ve made, is worth more than anything that could be bought. Help me lean on You and remember what’s truly worthwhile. • Peter J. McDonough

• In today’s allegorical story, Kellen realizes that true wealth comes from God, not the world’s sin-broken system. In what ways have you seen how pursuing things—like money, success, possessions, or experiences—can get in the way of pursuing the true riches of loving God and the people He has made? (Matthew 22:36-40)

• Human life is sacred because we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). God showed how much we are worth to Him—how much He treasures and desires and loves us—when Jesus, God the Son, willingly gave up His life for ours on the cross. Then He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death so we could be forgiven and live with Him forever. How can looking at Jesus, and remembering what He has done for us, help us discern what is truly valuable in life? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

• Proverbs 10:2 says, “Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.” Jesus is our righteousness, and He is the only One who can deliver us from death (1 Corinthians 1:30). But, even as Christians, sometimes we forget that the only thing that will truly satisfy us is knowing God through Jesus. Until Jesus returns and makes all things new, we will all struggle with greed and the fear of scarcity, but God invites us to rely on Him for everything we need, even when following Him means giving up material things. God doesn’t expect us to be able to do this on our own; rather, His love frees us from fear and every kind of selfishness (1 John 4:18). Is there something you’re holding onto in your life that takes the place of God’s true wealth, the riches that can only be found in Him? What would happen if you let go? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about this...you can be totally honest with Him about your desires, fears, frustrations, and hopes. He is eager to help you and guide you into “the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this?

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV)