The Greatest of Treasures
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
These two parables told by Jesus give us an insight into how we should perceive the kingdom of God: It is incomparable in value to anything we would ever own or have! The kingdom of God is so valuable that we should be willing to give up all we have to obtain it. We should not allow anything to stand in our way in our pursuit of God's kingdom agenda.
The kingdom of God simply refers to the reign of God through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the rule of God in the hearts and lives of God's people. It is God's order of righteousness and peace which comes to humanity through Jesus Christ. The question is: "Why should we be willing to give up everything we have in order to seek the Kingdom of God?"
The words of Jesus are very clear on this issue:
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:28-33)
What keeps us worried most as humans is whether our existential needs will be met -- food, clothing and shelter! We spend our lives working to ensure that these basic human needs are provided for. In the process, we ignore the kingdom of God. We ignore the things that are important to God. Jesus is simply saying in both parables that if we truly understand the value of God's kingdom, we will give up everything we have in order to possess it!
Why? The answer is simple: When we possess the Kingdom of God, we will end up possessing everything we need for our existence. God will ensure that all our needs are adequately met: the clothes we need, along with the food, drink and shelter. That is how valuable the kingdom of God is. It is the greatest of all treasures because it opens the door for every conceivable treasure to be brought our way by God. So, do not allow anything to be a stumbling block as you pursue God's kingdom agenda. It is the greatest of all treasures.
The kingdom of God simply refers to the reign of God through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the rule of God in the hearts and lives of God's people. It is God's order of righteousness and peace which comes to humanity through Jesus Christ. The question is: "Why should we be willing to give up everything we have in order to seek the Kingdom of God?"
The words of Jesus are very clear on this issue:
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:28-33)
What keeps us worried most as humans is whether our existential needs will be met -- food, clothing and shelter! We spend our lives working to ensure that these basic human needs are provided for. In the process, we ignore the kingdom of God. We ignore the things that are important to God. Jesus is simply saying in both parables that if we truly understand the value of God's kingdom, we will give up everything we have in order to possess it!
Why? The answer is simple: When we possess the Kingdom of God, we will end up possessing everything we need for our existence. God will ensure that all our needs are adequately met: the clothes we need, along with the food, drink and shelter. That is how valuable the kingdom of God is. It is the greatest of all treasures because it opens the door for every conceivable treasure to be brought our way by God. So, do not allow anything to be a stumbling block as you pursue God's kingdom agenda. It is the greatest of all treasures.
Prayer: Father, please help me to set the right priorities by giving everything up to obtain the greatest of all treasures -- Your Kingdom. Amen.