Daily Reading: Matthew 13
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13.44-46)
Devotional Thought: Matthew 13 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In it Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to many things, but there are two short parables in this chapter that especially challenge us: the kingdom is like treasure hidden in a field and like a merchant seeking fine pearls. In both these parables, Jesus uses the same imagery to describe what a person does to gain the kingdom: sell everything.
The point of Jesus’ teaching is not that we have to buy or “pay for” entrance into the kingdom with money. His concern is that we understand that the only way we get in is to get all in. We cannot play around the edges of the kingdom. Think of a person who merely “trades in” God’s Word vs. someone who “trembles at” God’s Word. It is tempting to use God’s Word only when it matches our wants and desires. That is trading in God’s Word – bartering with God, dabbling in holiness, picking and choosing. Instead, Jesus is saying here that we have found a treasure beyond description, one that is worth everything else in our lives. Such a treasure demands everything in its quest.
Jesus also made this point very directly in Matthew 16.24-26: “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Have you found the pearl of great price?
Have you sold everything in order to get it?
Prayer: Lord, the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure beyond description. Thank you for paying the price that I might obtain this treasure. I "sell" everything in order to follow you into and through the Kingdom. Amen
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89:1-4
1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I said, "Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness."
3 You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:
4 'I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah
Comments