What would you give everything to own? What is of such value to you that you would gladly do without everything else in your life if you could possess it? Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; 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; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46). Jesus wants us to understand that the coming reign of God is just that valuable, that to be a part of it, to be counted among those who experience it, it worth any price we could pay. It is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great value, and so much more.
Too often I think we set our sights low. We settle for that which is of little worth. It may seem valuable at the time, but in the long run it is not. “Let it go,’ Jesus is saying, “let it all go, and take hold of the one thing that is of lasting importance.” Easier said than done, of course. The baubles that distract us are compelling. They shine and they glisten. No matter, Jesus is telling us. “Let it go, let it all go.” The one thing we need is worth everything else, and that is the kingdom, the eternal home, the new thing that God is doing.
So what would you give everything to own? It’s a question worth thinking about.
Prayer: Lord, you offer us the one thing that we really need. Help us to accept your gift with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment