WORTH EVERYTHING

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 SEPTEMBER 21, 2022





Matthew 13:44-46

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.



What does it mean to you to know you have a God who loves you unreservedly, and who promises his presence to be with you always. What does it mean to you to know God’s forgiveness and that he offers each of us a fresh start again and again. What does it mean for you to experience the welcome of God’s open arms that say come to me? What worth do you put on that knowledge and experience compared to the many other things you might have in your life that are of significance?

If your heart is set on something, then nothing will get in the way of you achieving it. You will make sacrifices, do without things, and persevere and endure because you have put value on that thing, and it’s worth everything.

The man in Jesus’ parable who finds a treasure is so overwhelmed and so thrilled at his discovery that he freely, with great joy, sells everything to gain it. The treasure for this man and the exquisite pearl for the second man in Jesus’ parable is worth everything.

Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like this. Where Christ rules, there is a change in outlook and our way of thinking. All the things in life we enjoy, all the things that are precious to us, all the things we consider to be of great value, all those things we hold loosely. They have great value, but when we are living and experiencing the rule of Jesus, that reality means more to us than anything. Yes, it is true, many things bring us joy, but there is no greater joy than “kingdom Joy.”

Do you know what I believe to be so awesome? That the treasure is already in the field, and the pearl is already there. Neither individual in the parable created the treasure, or earned the treasure. But on finding it, both recognized the value. It was worth everything.


Let us Pray

Thank you, God, for giving me the greatest gift of all and for the joy it brings. Amen.

 

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