Buried Treasure
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”
The phrase “kingdom of heaven” appears commonly in the Gospel of Matthew. It is a variation of the phrase “kingdom of God” that appears occasionally in Matthew and more frequently in Mark and Luke. “Kingdom of heaven” employs a Jewish linguistic convention that tries not to speak directly of God. It would be similar to my grandmother’s saying “Good heaven!” where others would have said “Good God!”
The kingdom of heaven is God’s reign over the earth. It began to be present in the ministry of Jesus and continues to be present on earth through the Spirit-filled people of God. Someday, God’s kingdom will fully come on earth, when all things are recreated according to God’s master plan. In the meanwhile, we who have put our faith in Jesus have the opportunity to live under God’s reign each day. We are able to do the works of God, guided and empowered by his indwelling Spirit.
The parable of buried treasure reminds us of just how wonderful it is to live under God’s kingdom. When we realize that we have the chance to live in relationship with the King of kings and to serve him in our daily lives, and when we see how fantastic this can be, we’re willing to give up everything for the sake of the kingdom. Nothing in life compares with the joy of knowing and serving God.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How much do you value the kingdom of God? Would you be willing to sell everything you have if that were required to live in God’s kingdom? Why or why not? What helps you to realize how wonderful it is to know and serve God?
PRAYER: Gracious God, every now and then I grasp the wonder of your kingdom. I see how magnificent it is. I am floored by the fact that I can know you and serve you. In these times, I’m excited to give up everything for you.
But, to be honest, there are so many times when I’m rather more nonchalant about your kingdom. I can come before you in prayer with a ho-hum attitude. The opportunity to give away your love and kindness can seem almost boring. Forgive me, Lord, for so undervaluing the treasure of your kingdom.
Even today, help me to see afresh the glory of your kingdom. May I realize what a marvelous treasure you have offered to me. And then, may I offer all that I have and all that I am to you. Amen.
Daily Reflections from The High Calling.org
This devotional comes from The High Calling of Our Daily Work (www.thehighcalling.org). You can read my Daily Reflections there, or sign up to have them sent to your email inbox each day. This website contains lots of encouragement for people who are trying to live out their faith in the workplace.
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