May 15 - Hidden Treasure

Matthew 13:44

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Look at that verse again.  A man found a treasure in a field. He re-buried it, then purchased the field so that it would be his.  He didn't steal it, he ensured that no one could question whether he owned the found treasure.

Think of the time between when he found the treasure and then owned the field. How many people walked past that field knowing nothing of what had been found there.

The kingdom of heaven is like that.  A person finds it and with great joy sacrifices everything in order to have it.  But, others have no idea that it even exists.  It’s right there. In fact, the implication is that they weren't walking past the field, but walking through it.  Every day, people walked over and around that treasure, but they saw nothing.  They were intent on all that was happening around them and it never occurred to them that right under their feet, there was a great treasure.

When one man found it, he was filled with joy and ensured that he would always have it.

The kingdom of heaven is a treasure that can be found. We might stumble upon it, or go looking for it; but it can be found.  And once we find it we should sacrifice everything … all of the old parts of our lives … to have it.