The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 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."
Seven occasions in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is quoted as saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Each parable provides some aspect of truth regarding the kingdom of heaven. In this way he communicated to us those things he wanted us to know - things we would not or might not otherwise know. Had Jesus not talked about what the kingdom of heaven is like, our understanding of it would be so much the less otherwise.
In this instance, Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is so valuable, it's worth far outstrips any other assets we may have, combined. It speaks to the value all should place on entering into it, possessing it, existing in it.
Whatever we may have in this life, even if it's value is estimated in 10 figures, no matter the satisfaction, the fulfillment, the joy it might bring, the kingdom of heaven is something that has such worth, all is worth exchanging for it.
It seems to me there are two principles that figure into that equation. The first is what the kingdom of heaven provides. The kingdom of heaven infinitely transcends anything we could possibly possess or enjoy in this life. The other is that the time we have here on planet earth is extremely short compared to eternity. Not much time to enjoy the things of this world, no matter the value to us. The choices we make in life will have eternal consequences.
And, yet, look at what all so many are choosing for themselves other than kingdom of heaven for all eternity! It is simply bizarre to me!
How wonderful the Father's love for us is that he offers his kingdom to us! The wonderful riches of the lavish inheritance he so graciously and generously offers us!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"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."
Seven occasions in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is quoted as saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Each parable provides some aspect of truth regarding the kingdom of heaven. In this way he communicated to us those things he wanted us to know - things we would not or might not otherwise know. Had Jesus not talked about what the kingdom of heaven is like, our understanding of it would be so much the less otherwise.
In this instance, Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is so valuable, it's worth far outstrips any other assets we may have, combined. It speaks to the value all should place on entering into it, possessing it, existing in it.
Whatever we may have in this life, even if it's value is estimated in 10 figures, no matter the satisfaction, the fulfillment, the joy it might bring, the kingdom of heaven is something that has such worth, all is worth exchanging for it.
It seems to me there are two principles that figure into that equation. The first is what the kingdom of heaven provides. The kingdom of heaven infinitely transcends anything we could possibly possess or enjoy in this life. The other is that the time we have here on planet earth is extremely short compared to eternity. Not much time to enjoy the things of this world, no matter the value to us. The choices we make in life will have eternal consequences.
And, yet, look at what all so many are choosing for themselves other than kingdom of heaven for all eternity! It is simply bizarre to me!
How wonderful the Father's love for us is that he offers his kingdom to us! The wonderful riches of the lavish inheritance he so graciously and generously offers us!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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