NOW I CAN SLEEP

SERMON STORIES: LAUGH & LEARN
#23: NOW I CAN SLEEP

A man visited a village in China, and bought a Ming vase. He prepared to take an overnight train back to the city. “Be careful,” he was told, “there are many thieves on the train.”  

The man boarded the train, and placed the vase on the empty seat in front of him. “No one can steal my vase,” he thought, “I will keep watch.” 

The hours passed. He got drowsy. But he was determined to keep awake, and keep watch over his vase. “No one can steal my vase,” he told himself. 

As the night dragged on, he struggled to stay awake. But drowsiness finally overcame him, and fell asleep. When he opened his eyes, the vase was gone! 

For a few moments, he panicked. Then, closing his eyes again, he said, “Now I can sleep in peace.”

Does the man own the vase or does the vase own him? Beware lest something we own become our master, robbing us of sleep and peace. We become the slave, keeping awake and serving the object of our devotion. 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. …No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”  Matthew 6:21, 24 ESV