“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV
The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price both stress the amazing value of the kingdom. From one point of view, it is expected that a person should be willing to part with everything in order to buy and possess the kingdom by following Jesus. In contrast, it shows us that Jesus is the purchaser who gave His all to secure the kingdom and to give us eternal life. Notice I said 'should be willing'. It is not compulsory, Jesus wants us to have wealth. However, it must not take His place.
One thing's for sure; it is all or nothing in the kingdom of God, there are no short cuts or compromises. Take for example the account of the rich, young ruler who asked how he could obtain eternal life. Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. When discussing this further with His disciples later, Jesus said:
“Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”25When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”26But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.30But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus wants us to be happy and wealthy. He has no problem with that. However, our riches must come second to Him. He must be pre-eminent in all we do, say and how we live. And when you consider that He values and classes us to be priceless pearls, as we give Him the same value in our lives, we will truly shine for Jesus.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned
I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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